The study developed a novel multi-functional hydrogels (AC‑PVA‑CMC) by incorporating activated charcoal and urea into a polyvinyl alcohol–carboxymethyl cellulose
Multi-functional Hydrogels in Soil Amendment
The study developed a novel multi-functional hydrogels (AC‑PVA‑CMC) by incorporating activated charcoal and urea into a polyvinyl alcohol–carboxymethyl cellulose matrix crosslinked with epichlorohydrin, which exhibited an exceptionally high water absorption capacity (~5691 %) and enhanced structural integrity and thermal stability.
M. S. Arjun, S. Haripriya, R. Vishnu, Santhoshkumar A. V., and M. C. Anish (2025) conducted the study and published it under the title “Multi-functional hydrogels for sustainable agriculture: Controlled fertilizer release, pollution control, and drought resilience” in 1 October 2025.
ENTECH STEM Magazine has included this research in its list of the Top 10 Botany Discoveries of 2025
This hydrogel not only facilitated controlled release of urea, improving nutrient use efficiency, but also significantly increased soil moisture retention, maintaining about 77 % relative water content (RWC) in Swietenia macrophylla seedlings under drought conditions after 21 days. Additionally, it demonstrated 97 % removal efficiency for Pb²⁺ ions, indicating strong potential for pollution remediation, and showed biodegradability, supporting long‑term environmental compatibility. Preliminary experiments with rice seedlings further suggest its potential as a slow‑release nutrient carrier, offering a multifunctional material solution for sustainable agriculture that simultaneously enhances water retention, nutrient delivery, and heavy metal remediation.
Practical application in day to day life
Multi-functional hydrogels enhance everyday farming by releasing fertilizers slowly, reducing pollution runoff, and improving drought resistance in crops. Farmers use less water and chemicals daily, leading to healthier soils and reliable harvests. This supports affordable food for consumers while cutting environmental waste.
Water Savings
Gardeners and small farmers mix multi-functional hydrogels into soil to hold moisture for weeks, skipping frequent watering during dry spells. This simplifies home gardening and boosts vegetable yields without extra effort.
Nutrient Efficiency
Multi-functional Hydrogels encase fertilizers, releasing them as plants need, so less leaches into groundwater. Daily, this means fewer applications and cleaner rivers near farms.
Crop Protection
In rainy regions, multi-functional hydrogels not only prevent soil erosion and at the same time reduce nutrient loss, thereby stabilizing yields for staple crops such as rice and corn. Moreover, home gardeners can use them for balcony farms, ensuring that they consistently harvest fresh produce.
Educational opportunities
Multi-functional hydrogels advance sustainable agriculture through controlled fertilizer release, pollution control, and drought resilience. Students and researchers can explore these via hands-on university courses and labs.
Curriculum Integration
Courses in agronomy and materials science teach Multi-functional hydrogels synthesis and soil application. Experiments demonstrate slow-release fertilizers, reducing runoff by up to 50% while boosting crop yields in dry conditions.
Lab Training
University programs offer practical sessions on Multi-functional hydrogels testing for water retention. Techniques include spectroscopy for pollutant adsorption and field trials for drought stress simulation.
Career oppurtunities
Multi-functional hydrogels advance sustainable agriculture through controlled fertilizer release, pollution control, and drought resilience. Career opportunities abound in research, industry, and academia for experts in materials science and agronomy.
Research Positions
Postdoctoral fellowships focus on Multi-functional hydrogels development for agriculture, such as at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, involving bio-based formulations for water retention and nutrient delivery. PhD roles explore water management and soil health applications at institutions like Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet.
Industry Roles
Ag-tech companies seek R&D engineers and scientists for Multi-functional hydrogels chemistry, including fertilizer encapsulation and field trials, with positions at firms like those listed on Indeed and ZipRecruiter. Research associates at New Mexico State University work on seaweed-based hydrogels for root dynamics and sustainable farming.
Conclusion
The study successfully developed a novel multi-functional hydrogels (AC‑PVA‑CMC) that integrates high water‑absorption capacity, controlled fertilizer release, heavy metal remediation, and drought resilience into a single system. Experimental results showed that the hydrogel significantly improved soil moisture retention, maintained high relative water content under drought stress, and enabled controlled urea release, thereby enhancing nutrient use efficiency. Additionally, the material demonstrated 97 % removal efficiency for Pb²⁺ ions and exhibited biodegradability, indicating long‑term environmental compatibility. Preliminary plant trials further suggest its potential as a slow‑release nutrient carrier in agricultural settings. Overall, this multifunctional hydrogel represents a promising sustainable agricultural technology capable of addressing multiple challenges—such as water scarcity, nutrient loss, and soil pollution—simultaneously in crop production systems.
Additionally, to stay updated with the latest developments in STEM research, visit ENTECH Online. Basically, this is our digital magazine for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Also, at ENTECH Online, you’ll find a wealth of information.
Reference
Arjun, Haripriya, S., Vishnu, R., Santhoshkumar, A., & Anish, M. (2025). Multi-functional hydrogels for sustainable agriculture: Controlled fertilizer release, pollution control, and drought resilience. Next Sustainability, 6, 100191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100191
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I have worked at A.M. Oxford Public School and in Jeevan Jagriti Foundation, where I developed a strong foundation in both education and social development. My role at A.M. Oxford Public School involved guiding students toward academic excellence and nurturing their curiosity for learning, while my work with the Jeevan Jagriti Foundation allowed me to participate in impactful community programs aimed at improving educational access and awareness among underprivileged sections of society. These experiences helped me strengthen my interpersonal, leadership, and organizational skills.
In addition to my teaching and community involvement, I have worked as a researcher for a major health routine at the University of Allahabad, where I gained extensive experience in research methodologies, data analysis, and scientific documentation. My research work involved studying biological and health-related parameters, which deepened my understanding of the importance of scientific accuracy and ethical research practices. I possess a healthy knowledge of various bioinformatics tools such as NCBI, BLAST, CLUSTALW, Cytoscape, PubMed, and GeneMANIA, which I have effectively used for data interpretation and sequence analysis during my research.
Furthermore, my major areas of expertise include manuscript writing and poster publication, where I have successfully presented research findings in academic forums. These activities have helped me develop strong writing and presentation skills, essential for communicating scientific ideas effectively. I have also had the honor of securing first rank in a quiz competition conducted by the Botany Department of S.S. Khanna Degree College, Allahabad, which was a recognition of my academic excellence and subject knowledge. Overall, my journey through teaching, research, and community work has been deeply enriching, equipping me with a well-rounded skill set and a strong passion for contributing to scientific and educational advancement.
