Development of biodegradable hydrogels with adjustable moisture retention capacity for agricultural applications

This study developed and tested biodegradable hydrogels designed to improve soil water retention capacity and enhance the water stress resilience of crops. The primary research objective was to experimentally assess the effects of different hydrogels on the agroecological conditions of East Kazakhstan Region (Kazakhstan), which is characterized by an arid and sharply continental climate. The study involved three categories of agricultural land: irrigated (6 sites, 180 ha in total), rainfed (5 sites, 150 ha), and arid lands (4 sites, 120 ha). Agrochemical and biological soil analyses included assessments of climate factors, agrochemical indicators, and desertification levels. Biodegradable hydrogels were developed using microcrystalline cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and hydroxyethyl cellulose, with the addition of zeolite and bentonite minerals. Physicochemical and mechanical properties of the hydrogels were measured employing various techniques, including infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The study confirmed the positive impact of biodegradable hydrogels on soil moisture retention capacity, plant growth, and biomass accumulation. The developed biodegradable hydrogels demonstrate considerable potential for improving soil properties and enhancing water use efficiency in agriculture, especially in moisture-deficient regions. The results can inform the development and implementation of sustainable agricultural technologies that facilitate climate change adaptation and contribute to food security.