Advances in the Application of Nanocomposite Hydrogels in Crops

Conventional agricultural practices, based on intensive irrigation and heavy fertilizer and pesticide inputs, are increasingly incompatible with climate change, soil degradation, and sustainability goals. Hydrogels have emerged as promising soil amendments to improve water and nutrient management, and fall broadly into two categories: synthetic polyacrylate/polyacrylamide-based systems and natural biobased hydrogels derived from polysaccharides such as alginate, cellulose, and chitosan. The latter, often obtained from agro-industrial residues, offer biodegradable and potentially lower-impact alternatives to persistent synthetic matrices. This review analyzes recent advances in the design and application of nanocomposite hydrogels in agricultural crops, with emphasis on high-value systems such as tomato, chili pepper and maize. Representative studies show that hydrogel-nanofertilizer formulations can increase soil water retention in tomato from ~55-56% to ~78-79%, nearly double swelling capacity in wheat, reduce irrigation requirements by around 15% in legumes, and improve plant biomass by ~30-40% under drought conditions. In parallel, nanocomposite hydrogels loaded with micronutrients, phytochemicals or biostimulants can enhance nutrient uptake, provide 36-80% protection against Fusarium wilt, and reduce postharvest pathogen growth by up to ~90%, while in some cases improving the nutraceutical quality of fruits. These outcomes illustrate a dual mechanism of action in which the hydrogel matrix acts as a micro-reservoir that buffers water and nutrients, whereas nano- and phytochemical components operate as physiological eustressors that modulate plant defense and metabolism. Finally, we discuss environmental and translational challenges, including hydrogel biodegradation pathways, the long-term fate and ecotoxicity of released nanoparticles, regulatory uncertainty, and market and field acceptance. Addressing these gaps through integrative agronomic, ecotoxicological, and regulatory studies is essential to ensure that nanocomposite hydrogels evolve into truly sustainable smart carriers for fertilizers, pesticides, and biostimulants in future cropping systems.