Innovations in polysaccharide‐based hydrogels in sustainable agriculture

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Abstract Polysaccharide‐based hydrogels have emerged as advanced materials to improve water‐use efficiency in agricultural systems under increasing water scarcity and climate variability. Their performance is governed by the structural properties of polymer networks, particularly crosslinking density and functional groups, which control swelling behavior, water retention, and diffusion‐driven release processes. These characteristics enable regulation of water availability and controlled nutrient delivery, reducing leaching losses and enhancing plant performance under water‐limited conditions. In addition, these materials exhibit potential for environmental remediation due to their capacity to adsorb dissolved ions and contaminants, while their renewable origin and biodegradability represent advantages over conventional synthetic polymers. However, their effectiveness under field conditions remains constrained by structural instability during repeated hydration–drying cycles, limited persistence in soil, and uncertainties related to long‐term biodegradation and scalability. Advances in this field highlight the importance of developing multifunctional and biodegradable hydrogels with improved structural stability and consistent performance under realistic agricultural conditions, supported by field validation and standardized evaluation criteria. © 2026 The Author(s). Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

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