Carboxy-methyl tamarind kernel gum based bio-hydrogel for sustainable agronomy

Abstract

The innovative superabsorbent bio-tech hydrogels were concocted by free radical polymerization of sodium-methacrylate & carboxymethyl tamarind kernel gum, for application in agronomical procedures as a soil conditioner & water harvester for sustainable agronomy. The structural morphologies of the hydrogel were characterized by techniques viz. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The hydrogel was evidenced as a biodegradable hydrogel via the soil burial biodegradability test. The swelling behavior of hydrogel was analyzed as a function of temperature, pH, and salt solutions. The formulated hydrogel engrossed 248 ml/g water and 0.5% CMTKG-PSMA hydrogel amended soil revealed augmentation in the maximum water holding capacity (46.5%), porosity (14%), shoot length (43%), available water content (37%). A decrease in bulk density (8%) was also observed. The water intake was Fickian diffusion following Korsmeyer-Peppas Equation. These upshots were validated upon chickpea plants. These hydrogels proffer a promising substitute as a soil conditioner in agronomy.