Localized subsurface placement of a polyacrylamide superabsorbent polymer improves soil moisture distribution and reduces irrigation requirement in wheat grown in Eastern Kazakhstan

Abdugani Azimov; Gani Iztleuov; Raikhan Omirova; Aidar Bolysbek; Dinara Sharipova; Zhainagul Yertayeva; Nazmi Mat Nawi

doi:10.18393/ejss.1861849

Localized subsurface placement of a polyacrylamide superabsorbent polymer improves soil moisture distribution and reduces irrigation requirement in wheat grown in Eastern Kazakhstan

Abstract

Water scarcity and increased drought frequency threaten irrigated cereal production across arid and semi-arid regions. Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) can improve soil water retention and reduce non-productive losses, but field-scale effectiveness depends strongly on placement strategy and soil conditions [1–5]. This study evaluated a commercially available cross-linked polyacrylamide SAP applied locally using a slitter-based implement at two rates (30 and 60 kg ha⁻¹) and two placement depths (20 and 40 cm) under irrigated wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cultivar ‘Steklovidnaya-24’) in Eastern Kazakhstan (April–June 2025). A randomized complete block design with three replications was used (6 × 4 m plots). Soil moisture was measured by depth (0–5, 0–20, 20–40 cm) using the thermostat–weight (oven-drying) method; soil reaction (pH) was measured in a salt extract prepared by the TSINAO method using a calibrated pH meter; and grain yield was assessed by whole-plot harvest and converted to a hectare basis. Localized SAP placement redistributed water downward, with a 3.6–3.8 percentage-point reduction in the 0–20 cm layer and a 3.2–3.6 percentage-point increase in the 20–40 cm layer, resulting in an 8–11% increase in root-zone moisture reserves. The number of irrigations decreased from two to one, reducing seasonal irrigation from 1,800 to 900 m³ ha⁻¹, while crop growth indicators visibly improved relative to the control. Overall, 30 kg ha⁻¹ placed at 20 cm provided the most favorable balance between agronomic benefit and input intensity, consistent with broader evidence that targeted subsurface SAP placement can enhance irrigation water productivity.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Project Number

BR24993129

Thanks

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan under Grant No. BR24993129, entitled “Development of a biodegradable thermosensitive hydrogel capable of absorbing, retaining, and regulating the release of moisture.” The authors would also like to thank the anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments and constructive suggestions, which significantly contributed to the improvement of the manuscript

References

Abdelgelil, A.A., Omer, A.M., Hassan, A.F., Moustafa, A.A., Mohy Eldin, M.S., 2025. Enhancement of sandy soil water retention using superabsorbent carboxymethyl cellulose grafted with polyacrylamide and polyacrylamidomethyl propanesulfonic acid copolymer. Scientific Reports 15: 16604.
Ahmadian, A., Esmaeilian, Y., Tavassoli, A., Fernández-Gálvez, J., Caballero-Calvo, A., 2024. Application of a superabsorbent hydrogel for improving water productivity and quality of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) under water deficit conditions. Scientia Horticulturae 336: 113411.
Banedjschafie, S., Durner, W., 2015. Water retention properties of a sandy soil with superabsorbent polymers as affected by aging and water quality. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science 178(5): 798–806.
Bhardwaj, A.K., Shainberg, I., Goldstein, D., Warrington, D.N., Levy, G.J., 2007. Water retention and hydraulic conductivity of cross-linked polyacrylamides in sandy soils. Soil Science Society of America Journal 71(2): 406–412.
Dorraji, S., Golchin, A., Ahmadi, S., 2010. The effects of hydrophilic polymer and soil salinity on corn growth in sandy and loamy soils. CLEAN—Soil, Air, Water 38: 584–591.
Frioni, T., Bonicelli, P.G., Ripa, C., Tombesi, S., Poni, S., 2024. Superabsorbent hydrogels: A new tool for vineyard water management? Agricultural Water Management 306: 109145.
GOST 12536-2014. Soils. Methods of laboratory granulometric (grain-size) and microaggregate distribution. Available at [Access date: 11.04.2025]: https://www.russiangost.com/p-138335-gost-12536-2014.aspx
GOST 26205-91. Soils. Determination of mobile compounds of phosphorus and potassium by Machigin method modified by CINAO. Available at [Access date: 11.04.2025]: https://www.russiangost.com/p-55169-gost-26205-91.aspx

GOST 26213-91. Soils. Methods for determination of organic matter. Available at [Access date: 11.04.2025]: https://www.russiangost.com/p-52750-gost-26213-91.aspx
GOST 26483-85. Soils. Preparations of salt extract and determination of its pH by CINAO method. Available at [Access date: 11.04.2025]: https://www.russiangost.com/p-50090-gost-26483-85.aspx
GOST 26488-85. Soils. Determination of nitrates by CINAO methods. Available at [Access date: 11.04.2025]: https://www.russiangost.com/p-50388-gost-26488-85.aspx
GOST 26490-85. Soils. Determination of mobile sulphur by CINAO method. Available at [Access date: 11.04.2025]: https://www.russiangost.com/p-49518-gost-26490-85.aspx
GOST 28268-89. Soils. Methods of determination of moisture, maximum hygroscopic moisture and moisture of steady plant fading. Available at [Access date: 11.04.2025]: https://www.russiangost.com/p-58936-gost-28268-89.aspx
GOST 5180-2015. Soils. Methods for laboratory determination of physical characteristics. Available at [Access date: 11.04.2025]: https://www.russiangost.com/p-139346-gost-5180-2015.aspx
Hüttermann, A., Zommorodi, M., Reise, K., 1999. Addition of hydrogels to soil for prolonging the survival of Pinus halepensis seedlings subjected to drought. Soil & Tillage Research 50: 295–304.
Jelen, I., Bučienė, A., Chiavon, F., Silvestri, T., Forrest, K.L., 2020. Ecological base and environmental constraints. In: The Geography of Central Asia. Jelen, I., Bučienė, A., Chiavon, F., Silvestri, T., Forrest, K.L. (Eds.). World Regional Geography Book Series. Springer, Cham. pp 51–62.
Kalimov, N., Bodryy, K., Shilo, E., Kaldybaev, D., Bodraya, M., 2024. Impact of tillage and crop rotations on soil organic matter content in Northern Kazakhstan's chernozem soils: A 10-year study (2011-2021). Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 13(1): 35 - 42.
Kishor, N., Khanna, M., Rajanna, G.A., Singh, M., Singh, A., Singh, S., Banerjee, T., Patanjali, N., Rajput, J., Kiruthiga, B., 2024. Soil water distribution and water productivity in red cabbage crop using superabsorbent polymeric hydrogels under different drip irrigation regimes. Agricultural Water Management 295: 108759.
Krasnopeeva, E.L., Panova, G.G., Yakimansky, A.V., 2022. Agricultural applications of superabsorbent polymer hydrogels. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 23(23): 15134.
Manabaev, N.T., Yussupov, S., Azimov, A., Ibragimova, Z., Userov, A., Kultassov, B., Manabaev, R., Suleimenova, Z., 2026a. Localized hydrogel co-application improves water use efficiency and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield in arid agroecosystems: A resource-optimized strategy. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 15(1): 1–13.
Manabaev, N.T., Yussupov, S., Azimov, A., Ibragimova, Z., Iztleuov, G., Kultassov, B., Manabaev, R., Yeleuova, E., 2026b. Enhancing barley productivity and water conservation in arid steppes using deep slitting, hydrogel application, and an innovative combined seeding unit (CSU). Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 15(1): 14–23.
Narjary, B., Aggarwal, P., Singh, A., Chakraborty, D., Singh, R., 2012. Water availability in different soils in relation to hydrogel application. Geoderma 187–188: 94–101.
Ng’eno, V., Omuto, C., Mbuge, D., Too, V., 2023. Assessment of super absorbent polymer (SAP) on plant available water (PAW) in dry lands. Engineering 15: 90–105.
Omar, H., Alsharaeh, E., 2024. Improving water retention in sandy soils with high-performance superabsorbents hydrogel polymer. ACS Omega 9(22): 23531–23541.
Palma, D., Lagos, O., Souto, C., Pérez, A., Quezada, L., Hirzel, J., Vera, M., Ulloa, J., Urbano, B., 2024. Evaluation of a natural superabsorbent polymer on water retention capacity in coarse-textured soils. Water 16(22): 3186.
Rajanna, G.A., Manna, S., Patanjali, N., Singh, A., Dass, A., Mahanta, D., Singh, V.K., 2024. Unveiling superabsorbent hydrogels efficacy through modified agronomic practices in soybean–wheat system under semi-arid regions of South Asia. Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science 210: e12730.
Rajanna, G.A., Manna, S., Singh, A., Babu, S., Singh, V.K., Dass, A., Chakraborty, D., Patanjali, N., Chopra, I., Banerjee, T., Kumar, A., Khandelwal, A., Parmar, B.S., 2022. Biopolymeric superabsorbent hydrogels enhance crop and water productivity of soybean–wheat system in indo-gangetic plains of India. Scientific Reports 12: 11955.
Saha, A., Rattan, B., Sekharan, S., Manna, U., 2020. Quantifying the interactive effect of water absorbing polymer (WAP)-soil texture on plant available water content and irrigation frequency. Geoderma 368: 114310.
Takahashi, M., Kosaka, I., Ohta, S., 2023. water retention characteristics of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) used as soil amendments. Soil Systems 7(2): 58.
Wei, W., Zhu, Y., Li, H., Zhang, K., Wang, B., Yang, X., Shi, Z., 2018. Spatio-temporal reorganization of cropland development in Central Asia during the Post-Soviet Era: A sustainable implication in Kazakhstan. Sustainability 10(11): 4042.
Yang, Y., Wu, J., Zhao, S., Gao, C., Pan, X., Tang, D., van der Ploeg, M., 2021. Effects of long-term super absorbent polymer and organic manure on soil structure and organic carbon distribution in different soil layers. Soil & Tillage Research 206: 104781.
Zharlygassov, Z., Kalimov , N., Ansabayeva, A., Zharlygassov, Z., Moskvicheva, E., İslamzade, R., Ay, A., Akça, İ., Kızılkaya, R., 2025. Sustainable nutrient management and agricultural productivity in chernozem soils of the Kostanay Region, Kazakhstan. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 14(1): 98-106.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Soil Sciences and Plant Nutrition (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Abdugani Azimov This is me
0000-0002-1316-5854
Kazakhstan

Gani Iztleuov ^* This is me
0000-0002-5722-342X
Kazakhstan

Raikhan Omirova This is me
0000-0002-3080-227X
Kazakhstan

Aidar Bolysbek This is me
0000-0001-8708-2608
Kazakhstan

Dinara Sharipova This is me
0000-0001-8108-8814
Kazakhstan

Zhainagul Yertayeva
0000-0001-8848-6794
Kazakhstan

Nazmi Mat Nawi This is me
0000-0002-5916-5745
Malaysia

Publication Date

April 1, 2026

Submission Date

June 21, 2025

Acceptance Date

January 6, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 15 Number: 2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1861849

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA38EU22FP

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Azimov, A., Iztleuov, G., Omirova, R., Bolysbek, A., Sharipova, D., Yertayeva, Z., & Nawi, N. M. (2026). Localized subsurface placement of a polyacrylamide superabsorbent polymer improves soil moisture distribution and reduces irrigation requirement in wheat grown in Eastern Kazakhstan. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science, 15(2), 149-157. https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1861849

AMA

1.Azimov A, Iztleuov G, Omirova R, et al. Localized subsurface placement of a polyacrylamide superabsorbent polymer improves soil moisture distribution and reduces irrigation requirement in wheat grown in Eastern Kazakhstan. EJSS. 2026;15(2):149-157. doi:10.18393/ejss.1861849

Chicago

Azimov, Abdugani, Gani Iztleuov, Raikhan Omirova, et al. 2026. “Localized Subsurface Placement of a Polyacrylamide Superabsorbent Polymer Improves Soil Moisture Distribution and Reduces Irrigation Requirement in Wheat Grown in Eastern Kazakhstan”. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 15 (2): 149-57. https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1861849.

EndNote

Azimov A, Iztleuov G, Omirova R, Bolysbek A, Sharipova D, Yertayeva Z, Nawi NM (April 1, 2026) Localized subsurface placement of a polyacrylamide superabsorbent polymer improves soil moisture distribution and reduces irrigation requirement in wheat grown in Eastern Kazakhstan. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 15 2 149–157.

IEEE

[1]A. Azimov et al., “Localized subsurface placement of a polyacrylamide superabsorbent polymer improves soil moisture distribution and reduces irrigation requirement in wheat grown in Eastern Kazakhstan”, EJSS, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 149–157, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.18393/ejss.1861849.

ISNAD

Azimov, Abdugani - Iztleuov, Gani - Omirova, Raikhan - Bolysbek, Aidar - Sharipova, Dinara - Yertayeva, Zhainagul - Nawi, Nazmi Mat. “Localized Subsurface Placement of a Polyacrylamide Superabsorbent Polymer Improves Soil Moisture Distribution and Reduces Irrigation Requirement in Wheat Grown in Eastern Kazakhstan”. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 15/2 (April 1, 2026): 149-157. https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1861849.

JAMA

1.Azimov A, Iztleuov G, Omirova R, Bolysbek A, Sharipova D, Yertayeva Z, Nawi NM. Localized subsurface placement of a polyacrylamide superabsorbent polymer improves soil moisture distribution and reduces irrigation requirement in wheat grown in Eastern Kazakhstan. EJSS. 2026;15:149–157.

MLA

Azimov, Abdugani, et al. “Localized Subsurface Placement of a Polyacrylamide Superabsorbent Polymer Improves Soil Moisture Distribution and Reduces Irrigation Requirement in Wheat Grown in Eastern Kazakhstan”. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science, vol. 15, no. 2, Apr. 2026, pp. 149-57, doi:10.18393/ejss.1861849.

Vancouver

1.Abdugani Azimov, Gani Iztleuov, Raikhan Omirova, Aidar Bolysbek, Dinara Sharipova, Zhainagul Yertayeva, Nazmi Mat Nawi. Localized subsurface placement of a polyacrylamide superabsorbent polymer improves soil moisture distribution and reduces irrigation requirement in wheat grown in Eastern Kazakhstan. EJSS. 2026 Apr. 1;15(2):149-57. doi:10.18393/ejss.1861849