Sodium alginate/sodium lignosulfonate hydrogel based on inert Ca²⁺ activation for water conservation and growth...

Soil degradation has become a major global problem owing to the rapid development of agriculture. The problems of soil drought and decreased soil fertility caused by soil degradation severely affect the development of the agricultural and forestry industries. In this study, we designed sodium alginate (SA)/sodium lignosulfonate (SLS) hydrogel based on the activation and crosslinking of inert Ca²⁺. CaCO₃ and SA were mixed, and then, inert Ca²⁺ was activated to prepare a gel with a stable structure and a uniform interior and exterior. The crosslinking activated by inert Ca²⁺ enhanced the stability of the hydrogel, and the optimal swelling rate of the hydrogel reached 28.91 g/g, thereby effectively improving the water-holding capacity of the soil (77.6-108.83 g/kg). SLS was degraded into humic acid (HA) and gradually released, demonstrating a positive growth-promoting effect in plant growth experiments. The SA/SLS hydrogel can be used for soil water retention and mitigation to significantly decrease the water loss rate of soil. This study will assist in addressing soil drought and fertility loss.