Hydrogel as innovative technology for moisture conservation in the Potohar Plateau of Pakistan
Keywords:
Agricultural sustainability, Crop improvement, Hydrogel, Moisture conservation, Potohar PlateauAbstract
The Potohar Plateau of Pakistan is highly vulnerable to the stressors of climate including high rates of evapotranspiration, irregular rainfall patterns, frequent droughts, and poor physical structure of the soil. These factors combined with each other create unpredictable crop yields, and inaccessibility of soil moisture and degradation of the land, which are significant impediments to food security and livelihood of farmers. Under these circumstances, innovative soil moisture conservation solutions are urgently required for enhancing crop resilience, and water-use efficiency. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the hydrogel technology in conserving moisture in agriculture. Their useful agricultural applications are explained in detail, and include soil amendment, seed coating and integration of drip irrigation systems. Field research has provided empirical support that the use of hydrogel can be used to increase crop yields up to 20-30% and drastically reduce the rate of irrigation and the amount of water used. Also, despite these benefits, there are barriers to adoption, such as high initial costs, lack of awareness among farmers, and environmental concerns, related to the permanence of synthetic hydrogels in soil ecosystems. The development and use of biodegradable hydrogel alternatives that are manufactured using natural polymers such as starch, chitosan and cellulose is highlighted as critical in enhancing environmental sustainability. The evaluation reveals that a multi-faceted approach is required to have a successful implementation in the Potohar Plateau. These involve specific subsidies, the bulk purchase of items in order to reduce costs, education programs of farmers, and the integration of hydrogels with other sustainable practices like mulching and conservation tillage. By addressing these challenges, the hydrogel technology can form the basis of developing climate resilience, water-efficient, and profitable agricultural systems in the water-prone areas of Pakistan, and this offers a viable long-term solution to fully intensify water-based rainfed agriculture in Pakistan.
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