Multifunctional biodegradable potato soluble starch-urea superabsorbent hydrogels for desert agriculture: Irradiation synthesis and their plant growth promotion and degradation properties

Key Points

• Hydrogels improved plant growth promotion significantly in desert conditions, increasing water retention.
• Superabsorbent properties showed a 30% increase in water retention capacity compared to traditional methods.
• Irradiation synthesis was utilized to create biodegradable hydrogels, enhancing their efficiency and environmental safety.
• These findings may enable better agricultural practices in arid regions, addressing water scarcity challenges.