Enhancing Water Retention and Efficiency in Irrigation Systems: Identifying the Effectiveness of Superabsorbent Polymers on Soil Physical Characteristics

Superabsorbent Polymers (SAPs) have been increasingly studied for their potential to enhance soil water holding capacity and reduce irrigation needs, particularly in water-scarce agricultural regions. The objective of this study is to maximize water holding capacity and minimize water irrigation by evaluating the effectiveness of SAPs on Soil Texture, Water Holding Capacity, and pH Content under controlled treatments in Purok Kabelen. The researchers conducted experiments using different SAPs and water treatments by analyzing their effects through ANOVA, Regression Analysis, and Sensitivity Analysis. Findings from the study indicate that SAPs application significantly influences soil physical characteristics. The ANOVA results showed that SAPs had a statistically significant effect on soil texture, water holding capacity, and pH content, with F-values of 309.254, 1309.8, and 401989, respectively (p < 0.05). Regression analysis further confirmed a strong correlation between SAPs application and increased water retention, as well as changes in soil pH. Specifically, the highest water holding capacity of 82.74% was achieved at a 10g SAP: 200mL water per 500g soil treatment by marking a 34.9% increase from the control. Soil texture analysis revealed a rise in clay content from 37% to 83.9%, and soil pH shifted from 6.27 (moderately acidic) to 7.83 (slightly alkaline). The sensitivity analysis examines the effects of Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) and water on soil texture, Water Holding Capacity (WHC), and pH. SAP applications significantly altered soil texture, with sand content decreasing by up to 83.01% at 5g SAP and silt content dropping by 74.13% at 40g SAP. In contrast, clay content increased, peaking at 126.76% at 5g SAP before stabilizing. Water Holding Capacity improved by 34.87% at 10g SAP, with smaller gains beyond 20g SAP. pH content increased by 24.88% at 80g SAP, shifting the soil toward alkalinity. However, excessive SAPs application beyond the optimal level did not yield proportionate improvements in water holding capacity. This study aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12): Responsible Consumption and Production and Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15): Life on Land. By improving irrigation efficiency, and reducing excessive water use, this study promotes responsible resource management and supports sustainable land practices in agriculture.