Hydrophilic Polymers in Agriculture and the Use of Nanoadditives to Improve Their Capabilities

• Published in: Journal of soil science and plant nutrition 2022-09, Vol.22 (3), p.2992-3011
• Main Authors: Barala, Poonam, Hooda, Vinita
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agricultural production; Agriculture; Arid zones; Biodegradation; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Cellulose; Composite materials; Controlled release; Ecology; Efficiency; Environment; Fertilizers; Free radicals; Germination; Hydrogels; Hydrophilicity; Illite; Iron; Life Sciences; Montmorillonite; Nanocomposites; Plant growth; Plant Sciences; Polymerization; Polymers; Polyvinyl alcohol; Retention; Review; Seed germination; Silicon dioxide; Silver; Soil conditioners; Soil mechanics; Soil Science & Conservation; Toxicity; Vermiculite; Water absorption
• ISSN: 0718-9508; 0718-9516
• DOI: 10.1007/s42729-022-00862-4

Hydrophilic polymers are highly desirable in agriculture, particularly when growing plants on drylands, because they act as soil conditioners and nutrient carriers, improving the usability of poor soils. However, the fragile nature and low mechanical and thermal stabilities of these hydrophilic polymers limit their practical applications in agriculture. Hence, consistent efforts are being directed towards using and testing suitable amendments, preferably the nanoscale amendments such as nanoclays and other inorganic substances that significantly improve the polymer’s water absorption and retention properties. Further, they also strengthen the otherwise frail polymeric network and significantly improve their stability. Observed improvements in the properties of hydrophilic polymers after incorporation of nanosized metal (Ag, Fe, Al, Zn), nanographene oxide (nGO), nanosilicate (vermiculite, SiO 2 ) and inorganic nanoclay (attapulgite, Ag-coated nanoclay, montmorillonite, illite) particles have been described in the review. Practical demonstrations from the literature on the utility of hydrophilic polymers (with and without nanoamendments) in supporting seed germination and plant growth have also been included. Further, the review also embraces details on the successful utilization of nanocomposites for the controlled release of fertilizers to improve their use efficiency. In the end, biodegradation and toxicity of nanoamendments, future trends and opportunities in this area have been discussed. Graphical abstract Hydrophilic polymers and their nanocomposites for improved plant growth with high water and fertilizer use efficiency