Abstract
The physical mixture of native cassava starch and PAN was hydrolyzed by NaOH solution to yield starch-poly(sodium acrylate-co-acrylamide) superabsorbent hydrogel. The agricultural performance of the hydrogel â soil mixture samples in which maize seedlings have been planted were measured as a function of hydrogel loading and compared with the values obtained in the control in which hydrogel was not added. The results of the soil-hydrogel analysis at a monthly interval showed that there was significant increase in the ability of the soil to retain moisture and also the increase in the growth performance of the maize seedlings compared to the control.
Highlights
During the 20th century, the main emphasis of agricultural development all over the world was the increasing productivity per unit area of land used for crop production to feed the ever-increasing population
The emphasis of agriculture development in the present century have shifted to the sustainable maximization of land and water productivity without threatening the environment and the natural resources in view of the climate change effect,[2]
The relatively low levels of silt, clay and average level of CEC indicate the high permeability, leachability of heavy metals in the soil and suggest that it might be amenable to remediation by use of hydrogel[15,16]
Summary
During the 20th century, the main emphasis of agricultural development all over the world was the increasing productivity per unit area of land used for crop production to feed the ever-increasing population. This was accomplished through over exploitation of natural resources such as water and plant resources and excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides. The emphasis of agriculture development in the present century have shifted to the sustainable maximization of land and water productivity without threatening the environment and the natural resources in view of the climate change effect,[2]. Food security was not a global priority, but studies such as the 2020 Vision[4] have shown that food security
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