On the swelling of hydrogels in the soil

Abstract

In laboratory experiments, it was found that the swelling rating of hydrogels in soil is lower than in distilled water and depends on the composition and concentration of ions dissolved in water and the balance between the force created by the swelling hydrogel and the restraining force of the surrounding soil particles.

The maximum swelling rating of hydrogels when applied to sod-podzolic cultivated middle loamy soil was observed with their surface application, with an increase in the depth of their embedding, it decreased. For this reason, soil application of Zeba hydrogel to a depth of 6–10 cm did not affect its maximum water-holding capacity. Under the same conditions, Bellava hydrogel has demonstrated greater resistance to compression by soil particles.