Use of hydrogel polymers in agriculture

Drought stress is one of the major limiting factors that affect crop growth and productivity. The improvement in growth and yield attributing characters and yield of different field, ornamental and vegetable crops has been reported with the application of hydrogel. Agricultural hydrogels are not only used for water saving in irrigation, but they also have tremendous potential to improve physico-chemical and biological properties of the soil. Application of hydrogel polymers were improves the soil bulk density, porosity and water holding capacity. Agricultural hydrogels are eco-friendly, because they are naturally degraded over a period of time, without leaving any toxic residue in the soil and crop products. Hence application of hydrogel will be a fruitful option for increasing agricultural production with sustainability in water-stressed environment. The present book includes three chapters supported by the results of studies and previous research and photos that express the following briefly: (1) Hydrogel polymer technology (2) Hydrogel Polymer applications in agriculture (3) Effect of Hydrogel polymer on plant growth, yield and Fruit quality in some fruit tree.