Superabsorbent Polymer based on Potassium Polyacrylate is one of the revolutionaries as well as an economical way to solve the water crises in the irrigational field. This unique formulation has not only been able to solve water-centric irrigational issues but also has immensely contributed to the upgradation of soil texture upon application.
How it works?
This polymer upon contact with
water, swells up, behaving like mini reservoirs and imparting water-retaining
property to the plant roots, ensuring uninterrupted water supply and optimal
growth. These granules mix up between soil particles and upon contact with
water molecules swell up forming beads owing to water-absorbent technology.
These swollen potassium
polyacrylate beads release water as upon required with osmotic pressure, to
keep the surrounding environment moist whenever it starts drying up. Now, if
these polymer granules are spread over the fields beforehand, the irrigational
water can be stored and released helping in two way: • Less water drainage. •
Reduced requirement of surface water
For
any developing Nation, Agriculture contributes a lot to its economy. It sees
through an overall aspect related to food security for the ever-increasing
population, providing a source of hand to mouth for several rural area-based people.
Farming
technology has evolved over the years similar to topology, soil conditions, geography,
crop varieties, etc.; Still, there are places where conventional style of
farming is still practiced which not only reduces the effective use of water
but also limits the available resources.
Mentioned even on Wikipedia, Chemtex
Speciality Limited is one of first companies to manufacture "Alsta
Hydrogel" as a basic, simple to use environment friendly agriculture
polymer that farmers can successfully use to decrease water utilization without
compromising on plant’s health and growth and yet yield rich green harvests
even in dry spell conditions. It has a cross-linking molecular structure with a
hydrophilic group attached, which absorbs water about 500 – 600 times its own
weight. Even trapping rainwater which can be released later at the time of
requirement over a longer drought, absorb nutrients from the soil which are
utilized by plants for carrying out various physiological processes. One of the
major advantages of “Alsta Hydrogel” is that it can be used on a wide variety
of soil. Neither the polymer alters the chemical composition of soils on which
it is applied, nor does it impair the action of applied biocides viz.
fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, etc.