Synthesis and application of carboxymethylated tamarind kernel gum (Fe-loaded) based superabsorbent hydrogels to investigate the effect on marigold plant growth

The iron implemented in superabsorbent hydrogel (SAH). SAP (superabsorbent polymer) was modified by intermixing with iron microelement in itaconic acid and carboxymethylated tamarind kernel gum. Different samples were prepared for various compositions of SAH by changing the concentration of monomer, initiator, and cross-linker. Iron chloride was interpenetrated in the best-swelled hydrogels for releasing of iron as micronutrient. The characterization of synthesized hydrogel and modified FSAH was done by FTIR, SEM, and TGA analysis. Different behaviors of synthesized hydrogels in terms of weather conditions and pH (3, 8, and 10) of soil were studied. The swelling degree was studied by kinetic modeling of iron release by using the Higuchi model and the Korsmeyer–Peppas model which represent that high number of regression coefficients (R²) more equal to unity, fitted well in the iron release pattern in water and soil. On the other hand, diffusion quotient (n) showed in the Fickian diffusion model applied for the procedure of iron release. The iron superabsorbent hydrogel (FSAH) was used for the study of marigold plants germination and growth. It was also found that the germinated population with FSAH is much higher as compared to those without modified SAH.