Synthesis of a Hydrogel Polymer Using Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate as a Surfactant and Its Application in Agricultural

Polymer was synthesized using sodium lauryl ether sulfate as a surfactant, which enhanced porosity. A 1% polymer solution was mixed with 1 kg of soil, which had been purified and sieved through a 2 mm mesh. The soil took two full months to dry completely at 35 degrees C. Subsequently, sunflowers and fodder maize were planted in both the polymer-treated soil and an untreated soil. Calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, nitrogen, and phosphorus levels in the plants grown in both types of soil were measured. The results showed significant differences. The chlorophyll content, dry weight, wet weight, and moisture content of the plants were also measured. The polymer was found to effectively improve all these properties, demonstrating the viability of this method, which could play an important role in semi-arid regions.