Eurasian Journal of Soil Science

Manabaev ,N., Yussupov,S., Azimov,A., Ibragimova ,Z., Userov,A., Kultassov,B., Manabaev,R., Suleimenova ,Z., 2025. Localized hydrogel co-application improves water use efficiency and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield in arid agroecosystems: A resource-optimized strategy. Eurasian J Soil Sci DOI : 10.18393/ejss.1814298

Manabaev ,N.Yussupov,S.Azimov,A.,Ibragimova ,Z.Userov,A.Kultassov,B.Manabaev,R.,& Suleimenova ,Z. Localized hydrogel co-application improves water use efficiency and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield in arid agroecosystems: A resource-optimized strategy Eurasian Journal of Soil Science, DOI : 10.18393/ejss.1814298

Manabaev ,N.Yussupov,S.Azimov,A.,Ibragimova ,Z.Userov,A.Kultassov,B.Manabaev,R., and ,Suleimenova ,Z."Localized hydrogel co-application improves water use efficiency and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield in arid agroecosystems: A resource-optimized strategy" Eurasian Journal of Soil Science, DOI : 10.18393/ejss.1814298

Manabaev ,N.Yussupov,S.Azimov,A.,Ibragimova ,Z.Userov,A.Kultassov,B.Manabaev,R., and ,Suleimenova ,Z. "Localized hydrogel co-application improves water use efficiency and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield in arid agroecosystems: A resource-optimized strategy" Eurasian Journal of Soil Science, DOI : 10.18393/ejss.1814298

N,Manabaev .S,Yussupov.A,Azimov.Z,Ibragimova .A,Userov.B,Kultassov.R,Manabaev.Z,Suleimenova "Localized hydrogel co-application improves water use efficiency and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield in arid agroecosystems: A resource-optimized strategy" Eurasian J. Soil Sci, vol., no., pp., DOI : 10.18393/ejss.1814298

Manabaev ,Nurlibai ;Yussupov,Shamshaddin ;Azimov,Abdugani ;Ibragimova ,Zaure ;Userov,Altynbek ;Kultassov,Bekzat ;Manabaev,Rustam ;Suleimenova ,Zhanat Localized hydrogel co-application improves water use efficiency and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield in arid agroecosystems: A resource-optimized strategy. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science,. DOI : 10.18393/ejss.1814298

How to cite

Manabaev , N., Yussupov, S., Azimov, A., Ibragimova , Z., Userov, A., Kultassov, B., Manabaev, R., Suleimenova , Z., 2025. Localized hydrogel co-application improves water use efficiency and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield in arid agroecosystems: A resource-optimized strategy. Eurasian J. Soil Sci. DOI : 10.18393/ejss.1814298

Author information

Nurlibai Manabaev , Innovtechproduct LLP, Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Shamshaddin Yussupov , Tashenev University, Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Abdugani Azimov , M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University, Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Zaure Ibragimova , M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University, Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Altynbek Userov , M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University, Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Bekzat Kultassov , M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University, Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Rustam Manabaev , M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University, Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Zhanat Suleimenova , Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan

Publication information

Article first published online : 31 Oct 2025
Manuscript Accepted : 21 Oct 2025
Manuscript Received: 14 Apr 2025
DOI: 10.18393/ejss.1814298
Stable URL: http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.1814298

Abstract

Arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in Central Asia, face escalating food security challenges due to climate change and chronic drought, demanding innovative soil moisture management strategies for staple crops such as wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). This study introduces and validates an innovative agro-technological system that moves beyond conventional, high-consumption superabsorbent polymer (hydrogel) use to establish a highly resource-efficient and sustainable approach for dryland wheat cultivation. A split-plot field experiment was conducted across three distinct agroclimatic zones in the Turkestan Region of Kazakhstan (Kazygurt, Sairam, and the extremely arid Arys district). Eight treatments were evaluated, focusing on varying hydrogel dosages and localized co-application with reduced phosphorus and potassium (P/K) fertilizers. A novel patented slit-cutting unit was employed for the precise subsurface placement of the hydrogel–fertilizer mixture at a depth of 20 cm. Complementary laboratory experiments provided the mechanistic foundation, evaluating water absorption, retention, and vertical redistribution in the 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm soil layers. The hydrogel mixture increased total soil water retention by 14.3 %, while enhancing subsoil (20–40 cm) moisture content by 9.0 percentage points, confirming its function as an in-situ water reservoir. Field results identified Treatment 5 (Localized 30 kg ha⁻¹ hydrogel + 50 % P/K) as the optimal configuration, producing stable and significant wheat yield increases of 23.32–27.05 % across all sites compared with the control. Importantly, this precision-based method achieved 50 % fertilizer savings and 57 % reduction in hydrogel use compared to conventional broadcast application, achieving both economic efficiency and ecological sustainability. Overall, the localized subsurface co-application system establishes a new benchmark for dryland agriculture, offering a climate-resilient, input-efficient, and scalable technological platform for enhancing water use efficiency and sustaining food production under water-limited conditions.

Keywords

Hydrogel, dryland farming, localized application, water use efficiency, wheat yield.

Corresponding author

References

Agbna, G.H.D., Zaidi, S.J., 2025. Hydrogel performance in boosting plant resilience to water stress—A review. Gels 11(4): 276.

Ali, K., Asad, Z., Agbna, G.H.D., Saud, A., Khan, A., Zaidi, S.J., 2024. Progress and innovations in hydrogels for sustainable agriculture. Agronomy 14(12): 2815.

Bektayev, N., Mansurova, K., Kaldybayev, S., Pachikin, K., Еrzhanova, K., Absatova, B., 2023. Comprehensive assessment and information database on saline and waterlogged soils in Kazakhstan: Insights from Remote Sensing Technology. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 12(4): 290 - 299.

Buitrago-Arias, C., Gañán-Rojo, P., Torres-Taborda, M., Perdomo-Villar, L., Álvarez-López, C., Jaramillo-Quiceno, N., Hincapié-Llanos, G.A., 2025. Analysis of the growth of hydrogel applications in agriculture: A review. Gels 11(9): 731.

CAN, 2023. The water crisis in Central Asia – how to find solutions? Climate Action Network (CAN). Available at [Access date: 14.04.2025]: https://caneecca.org/en/the-water-crisis-in-central-asia-how-to-find-solutions/

Dar, S.B., Mishra, D., Zahida, R., Afshana, B.B., 2017. Hydrogel: To enhance crop productivity per unit available water under moisture stress agriculture. Bulletin of Environment, Pharmacology and Life Sciences 6(10): 129-135.

García-Gómez, C., Uysal, Y., Doğaroğlu, Z.G., Kalderis, D., Gasparatos, D., Fernández, M.D., 2024. Influence of biochar-reinforced hydrogel composites on growth and biochemical parameters of bean plants and soil microbial activities under different moisture conditions. Agriculture 14(8): 1405.

Getahun, S., Kefale, H., Gelaye, Y., 2024. Application of precision agriculture technologies for sustainable crop production and environmental sustainability: A systematic review. Scientific World Journal 9: 2126734.

GOST 12536-2014. Soils. Methods of laboratory granulometric (grain-size) and microaggregate distribution. Available at [Access date: 14.04.2025]: https://www.russiangost.com/p-138335-gost-12536-2014.aspx

GOST 26206-91. Soils. Determination of mobile compounds of phosphorus and potassium by Oniani method modified by CINAO. Available at [Access date: 14.04.2025]: https://www.russiangost.com/p-52997-gost-26206-91.aspx

GOST 26213-84. Soils. Determination of humus by the Tyurin method in the modification of CINAO. Available at [Access date: 14.04.2025]: https://www.russiangost.com/p-240926-gost-26213-84.aspx

GOST 26951-86. Soils. Determination of nitrate byionometric method. Available at [Access date: 14.04.2025]: https://www.russiangost.com/p-55174-gost-26951-86.aspx

GOST 28268-89. Soils. Methods of determination of moisture, maximum hygroscopic moisture and moisture of steady plant fading. Available at [Access date: 14.04.2025]: https://www.russiangost.com/p-58936-gost-28268-89.aspx

Johnsson, E., Klingspor, C., 2018. Water Supply in Kazakhstan Extension of a centralized system with a risk management and sustainability perspective. Lund University. Available at [Access date: 14.04.2025]: https://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/8956510/file/8956555.pdf

Kussainova, M., Spaeth, K.E., Zhaparkulova, E., 2020. Efficiency of using the rangeland hydrology and erosion model for assessing the degradation of pastures and forage lands in Aydarly, Kazakhstan. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 9(2): 186 - 193.

Makhanova, U., Ibraeva, M., 2025. Phytoremediation of saline soils using Glycyrrhiza glabra for enhanced soil fertility in arid regions of South Kazakhstan. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 14(1): 22 - 37.

Meena, R.P., Sharma, R.K., Tripathi, S.C., Chander, S., Chhokar, R.S., Meena, A., Sharma, I., 2015. Influence of hydrogel, irrigation and nutrient levels on wheat productivity. Journal of Wheat Research 7(2):19-22.

Muhammad, N., Kader, M.A., Al-Solaimani, S.G., Abd El-Wahed, M.H., Abohassan, R.A., Charles, M.E., 2025. A review of impacts of hydrogels on soil water conservation in dryland agriculture. Farming System 3(4): 100166.

Nascimento, C.D.V., Simmons, R.W., Feitosa, J.P.A., Dias, C.T.S., Costa, M.C.G., 2021. Potential of superabsorbent hydrogels to improve agriculture under abiotic stresses. Journal of Arid Environments 189: 104496.

Naushabayev, A.K., Vassilina , T.K., Rsymbetov, B.A, Seitkali, N., Balgabayev, A.M., Bakenova, Z.B., 2022. Effects of different polymer hydrogels on moisture capacity of sandy soil. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 11(3): 241-247.

Prăvălie, R., 2016. Drylands extent and environmental issues. A global approach. Earth-Science Reviews 161: 259-278.

Rajanna, G.A., Manna, S., Singh, A., Babu, S., Singh, V.K., Dass, A., Chakraborty, D., Patanjali, N., Chopra, I., Banerjee, T., Kumar, A., Khandelwal, A., Parmar, B.S., 2022. Biopolymeric superabsorbent hydrogels enhance crop and water productivity of soybean–wheat system in Indo-Gangetic plains of India. Scientific Reports 12: 11955.

Ribeiro, A.B., Moreira, H., Pereira, S.I.A., Godinho, M., Sousa, A.S.A., Castro, P., Pereira, C.F., Casanova, F., Freixo, R., Pintado, M.E., Ramos, O.L., 2024. Bio-based superabsorbent hydrogels for nutrient release. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 12(2): 112031.

Saha, A., Sekharan, S., Manna, U., 2020. Superabsorbent hydrogel (SAH) as a soil amendment for drought management: A review. Soil and Tillage Research 204: 104736.

Sahakyan, S., Avagyan, G., Yedoyan, T., Daveyan, S., Eloyan, A., 2024. Application of hydrogel polymers and fertilizers for increasing winter wheat grain yield in conditions of rain-fed agriculture. Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology 8(5): 88–102.

Sekucia, F., Dlapa, P., Kollár, J., Cerdá, A., Hrabovský, A., Svobodová, L., 2020. Land-use impact on porosity and water retention of soils rich in rock fragments. Catena 195: 104807.

Seppelt, R., Klotz, S., Peiter, E., Volk, M., 2022. Agriculture and food security under a changing climate: An underestimated challenge. iScience 25(12): 105551.

Smagin, A.V., Sadovnikova, N.B., Belyaeva, E.A., Krivtsova, V.N., Shoba, S.A., Smagina, M.V., 2022. Gel-forming soil conditioners of combined action: Field trials in agriculture and urban landscaping. Polymers 14(23): 5131.

Thang, N.H., Chien, T.B., Cuong, D.X., 2023. Polymer-based hydrogels applied in drug delivery: An overview. Gels 9(7): 523.

Wang, L., Gao, J., Qureshi, W.A., 2025. Evolution and application of precision fertilizer: A review. Agronomy 15(8): 1939.

Yuan, X., Li, S., Chen, J., Yu, H., Yang, T., Wang, C., Huang, S., Chen, H., Ao, X., 2024. Impacts of global climate change on agricultural production: A comprehensive review. Agronomy 14(7): 1360.

Zhang, X., Kan, X., Xie,Y., Wang, Y., Li, Z., Lun, X., Zhao, Y., Zhang, S., Wu, N., Xu, W., 2025. Hydrogels enabled smart agriculture: Preparation, properties, applications, and future prospects. Industrial Crops and Products 235: 121804.

Abstract

Arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in Central Asia, face escalating food security challenges due to climate change and chronic drought, demanding innovative soil moisture management strategies for staple crops such as wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). This study introduces and validates an innovative agro-technological system that moves beyond conventional, high-consumption superabsorbent polymer (hydrogel) use to establish a highly resource-efficient and sustainable approach for dryland wheat cultivation. A split-plot field experiment was conducted across three distinct agroclimatic zones in the Turkestan Region of Kazakhstan (Kazygurt, Sairam, and the extremely arid Arys district). Eight treatments were evaluated, focusing on varying hydrogel dosages and localized co-application with reduced phosphorus and potassium (P/K) fertilizers. A novel patented slit-cutting unit was employed for the precise subsurface placement of the hydrogel–fertilizer mixture at a depth of 20 cm. Complementary laboratory experiments provided the mechanistic foundation, evaluating water absorption, retention, and vertical redistribution in the 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm soil layers. The hydrogel mixture increased total soil water retention by 14.3 %, while enhancing subsoil (20–40 cm) moisture content by 9.0 percentage points, confirming its function as an in-situ water reservoir. Field results identified Treatment 5 (Localized 30 kg ha⁻¹ hydrogel + 50 % P/K) as the optimal configuration, producing stable and significant wheat yield increases of 23.32–27.05 % across all sites compared with the control. Importantly, this precision-based method achieved 50 % fertilizer savings and 57 % reduction in hydrogel use compared to conventional broadcast application, achieving both economic efficiency and ecological sustainability. Overall, the localized subsurface co-application system establishes a new benchmark for dryland agriculture, offering a climate-resilient, input-efficient, and scalable technological platform for enhancing water use efficiency and sustaining food production under water-limited conditions.

Keywords: Hydrogel, dryland farming, localized application, water use efficiency, wheat yield.

References