Method for growing plant using water absorbing resin, and water absorbing resin and method for producing same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-absorbent resins used for plant growth are prone to deactivation by calcium and magnesium ions in soil, water, or fertilizers, leading to reduced water absorption and retention capacity over time.
Innovation Solution
A water-absorbent resin comprising crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol and crosslinked phosphorylated starch, which maintains water absorption and retention capacity even in the presence of calcium and magnesium ions, and can be used in soil or as a nonwoven fabric for plant growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional superabsorbent resin is used for plant growth, then water absorption capacity is initially high, but water absorption and retention capacity deteriorate over time due to deactivation by calcium and magnesium ions in soil and water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the superabsorbent resin by controlling the graft ratio (acrylonitrile content at 10-30 mol%) and using specific crosslinking agents. These parameter changes create a resin structure that is less sensitive to calcium and magnesium ion deactivation, maintaining stable water absorption capacity over extended periods in soil environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure through crosslinking the graft copolymer chains, forming a three-dimensional network. This composite material structure enhances the resin's stability and resistance to ion deactivation, allowing it to maintain functionality longer in soil compared to non-crosslinked or poorly crosslinked resins.
2Loss of energy
If irrigation frequency is reduced to save water, then water savings are achieved, but plant growth may be affected without adequate water supply
Solution Approach 1:
The superabsorbent resin performs self-service by automatically absorbing excess water from the soil and releasing it to plant roots when moisture levels drop. This self-regulating mechanism ensures continuous water supply to plants without requiring frequent irrigation intervention, maintaining plant health while reducing water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The resin maintains continuous water availability to plants by acting as a buffer between irrigation events. It continuously releases absorbed water to roots based on soil moisture conditions, ensuring uninterrupted water supply even when irrigation frequency is reduced, thus maintaining reliable plant hydration.
3Productivity
If superabsorbent resin is mixed into soil to reduce irrigation, then irrigation frequency can be reduced, but the resin becomes deactivated by calcium and magnesium ions in soil and fertilizer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes chemical parameters including graft ratio (10-30 mol% acrylonitrile), crosslinking degree, and molecular weight to create a resin structure that maintains functionality in soil. These parameter changes reduce the resin's susceptibility to ion deactivation, preserving its water absorption capability when mixed with soil and exposed to fertilizers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates local quality differences within the resin structure through controlled grafting and crosslinking, creating regions with different sensitivities to ion deactivation. The crosslinked network structure provides localized stability that protects the hydrophilic regions from complete deactivation by calcium and magnesium ions in the soil environment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The resin maintains high water absorption and retention capacity, allowing reduced irrigation frequency and water savings, with improved durability and ease of handling, suitable for growing plants like turf, vegetables, and fruit trees.
Implementation Method 1
a water-absorbent resin which includes a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol and a crosslinked phosphorylated starch
Implementation Method 2
carboxyl groups in the superabsorbent resin are deactivated by calcium ions, magnesium ions, or the like in soil, water (particularly hard water), or a fertilizer
Implementation Method 3
a phosphorylated polyvinyl alcohol crosslinked with glutaraldehyde is known as a superabsorbent resin, and this is described to well adsorb calcium ions
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for growing a plant using a water-absorbent resin that is less prone to be deactivated by calcium ions, magnesium ions, or the like in soil, water, or a fertilizer. The method includes mixing a first water-absorbent resin containing a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol and a crosslinked phosphorylated starch or a second water-absorbent resin composed of a crosslinked phosphorylated polyvinyl alcohol into soil to form improved soil, and growing a plant such as turf on the improved soil. The water-absorbent resin is mixed in a granular shape into the soil to afford improved soil. The first water-absorbent resin includes those in which polyvinyl alcohol itself, a phosphorylated starch itself, and polyvinyl alcohol and a phosphorylated starch are crosslinked intermolecularly. The second water-absorbent resin includes one in which a phosphorylated polyvinyl alcohol itself is crosslinked intermolecularly.