Agricultural Applications of Nanocomposites Superabsorbent Polymers: A Review

Abstract

A superabsorbent polymer (SAP) can absorb large quantities of water. Hydrophilic materials are
known as superabsorbent materials because they can absorb large amounts of aqueous fluid and
desorb it under stress. One of the most critical parameters that limit the usefulness of SAP is its
absorption capacity. Superabsorbent polymers can be used for water management and to renew
arid and desert environments. This review demonstrates that superabsorbent materials can be
beneficial to agriculture and the environment by reducing irrigation water consumption,
improving fertilizer retention time in soil, decreasing plant mortality, and increasing plant
growth. Nanotechnology could play a role in preparing superabsorbent nanocomposite materials
by employing superabsorbent polymers. This article introduces superabsorbent/clay
nanocomposites and the mechanochemical synthesis approach which are convenient and useful
types of superabsorbent nanocomposites.