1.

Eco-Friendly Water Retention Natural Polymer

2. Abstract:
 Objective:
1. To minimize the water requirement in the irrigation process by saving against
evaporation.
2. To create organic fertilizer by using bio-waste.
3. To designed water retention polymer by natural process so it must be
biodegradable and pollution free.
4. To create solution that can convert barren land to productive land or can
provide option to crop production even in marble slurry.

 Beneficiaries: The direct beneficiaries from this solution will be all farmers
around the whole world, gardeners, nurseries, vertical agriculture or one who
need water in irrigation, all will be beneficiaries from this solution.

 Value of Results:
1. It can minimize the water requirement by 70%. For example the crop requires
100 billion litters water, can be reduce to 30 billion litters by using this
solution. So there will be 70% water saving.
2. It can reduce fertilizer requirement up to 50% because it can work as an
organic fertilizer when it started to degrade.
3. The saving in water means there will be more option to use saved water in
other process or to irrigate land that left un-cultivated due to less water
availability.
4. It can work in barren land or in marble slurry so by using this solution wasted
land will be in use. This led to uses of million hectors barren land or land
become barren after uses for marble slurry dump side.
5. The reduction in water requirement and fertilizer led to saving of 60% overall
production cost for farmers. This definitely make farmers more capable in
terms of income generation from agriculture.

3. Background: Previously, there is no such kind of solution that can absorb water for
long time and releases this stored water to crop whenever there is requirement water
for crop. All the method of irrigation process can save water before water supplied to
the crop but after that 50% of water wasted in evaporation.
In 1900 there was some solution proposed that can work for the problem of
evaporation. But this all solution are chemically designed and have very high cost so
this is not possible for every farmers to purchase the solutions. Also chemically
designed solution led to degrade the soil’s fertility rate and production rate.

4. Statement of Problem: The problem is very clear that agriculture sector need huge
amount of water and due to less availability of water every year 30%-40% of
productive land left uncultivated.
In India 266 districts, in 11 states declared drought affected. The average food grain
production between 2010-2011 and 2014-2015 is 255.59 million tons, while in 2015-
2016, it is estimated to be at 253.16 million tonnes. More than 70% districts drought
affected in 8 states.
The above 3 lines defines condition of India for water availability for agriculture.
Every year half of the India declared drought affected and the agriculture sector is
 most affected by drought. This led to reduction in overall growth of county with
increasing in death or suicide of farmers.

5. Research:
 Present Method of Tackling the Problem: There is no specific or proper
method to tackle the problem. Farmers across the world facing water scarcity
problem every year and problem increasing day by day. Although there are some
solution that provide the water retention facilities but they are chemically
prepared and hazardous for the soil, farmers, and crop as well.

 Proposed Solution: The solution we are going to propose is purely naturally

created by bio-waste and hence it is completely pollution free and fully bio-
degradable.

Eco-Friendly Water Retention Natural Polymer is working on properties of SAP.

As we know SAP have properties to absorb water of 400 times of their own
weight. So we use properties of SAP, and designed natural polymer, which has
high capacity to store water for long time. Our natural polymer is designed by use
of waste material like fruit peels, vegetable residuals and peepal barks. As all the
ingredient used are biodegradable, so our designed product is also
biodegradable and completely pollution free i.e. it is easily mixed with soil and
does not create any problem in the future. Also, we have not used any type of
chemical, so it is harmless to crops, soil and farmers.

Alternate Solution/Approaches: The alternative approaches are chemically

made superabsorbent polymers like: Sodium Polyacrylate, Polyacrylamide
Copolymer, Ethylene-Maleic Anhydride Copolymer, Polyvinyl Alcohol Copolymers
etc.

Novelty of Approch: Our designed product offer water retention facility. It

absorbs water in huge amount and store it for long time then release water slowly
as per requirements to the crop and soil. It works on an anti-drought mechanism
and reduces the water requirement of crops. It is Eco-friendly product causes no
adverse impact on crops as well as on soil. So it is completely pollution free and
easy to use. It can degrade easily. It can provide some types of nutrition and
fertilizers when it degraded.

6. Technical Details:
 Technical aspect: SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer) are classified as hydrogels
when cross-linked, absorb aqueous solutions through hydrogen bonding with
water molecules.
In deionized and distilled water, a SAP may absorb 300-1200 times its weight
and can become gel, but when put into a 0.9% saline solution, the absorbency
drops to maybe 50 times its weight.

 Detailed Technical Specifications and Pictorial Representations: The total

absorbency and swelling capacity are controlled by the type and degree of cross-
linkers used to make the gel. Low-density cross-linked SAPs generally have a
higher absorbent capacity and swell to a larger degree.
These types of SAPs also have a softer and stickier gel formation. High cross-
link density polymers exhibit lower absorbent capacity and swell, but the gel
strength is firmer and can maintain particle shape even under modest pressure.
It consists of a set of polymeric chains that are parallel to each other and
regularly linked to each other by cross-linking agents, thus forming a network.
 When water comes into contact with one of these chains, it is drawn into the
molecule by osmosis. Water rapidly migrates into the interior of the polymer
network where it is stored.

Fig. 1: Potassium-Polyacrylate-SOCO-Chemical
Performance Estimate of the Solution: By reading and understanding of the
theory behind the proposed solution and according to theoretical results of
ingredients, we have estimate that our solution can much better water holding
capacity than other chemically prepared solution. Also, there is no doubt that our
solution is only natural designed so it is completely pollution free and fully bio-
degradable. The estimate also shows that it can works as fertilizer after
degradation so if it can then there is reduction in fertilizer requirement also.

 Experimentation:
Experimental Environment: 1. All of the experiments were performed at 21
degrees Celsius. The humidity level for each experiment was kept constant at
60% by means of a humidifier.
2. Each pot received a constant 500 lumens of artificial sunlight.
1. Test – I
Aim: To calculating water retaining ability.
Calculating Water Retaining Ability: 5g of the starch based, pectin based,
acrylic based and three orange peel variables were placed into 6 separate
glass beakers.
200ml of distilled water was added to each beaker. Each beaker was left
for 10mins.
Theory and Calculation:
Water Absorption Formula

Gs – Is the weight of the swollen sample

Gi - Is the initial weight or net weight of the sample
 Result: It was observed that with application to the water absorption
formula, the 'Orange peel mixture' displayed the strongest water
absorbing abilities of 76.1%. The acrylic SAP displayed a water absorbing
ability of 74.7%, whilst the Pectin, starch under 70%.

2. Test – II
Aim: To observe soil moisture of plain top soil.
Soil Sample Preparations: Seven planting containers were filled with 1
kg of top soil. Each pot received a different sample or variable. 25g of
Starch SAP, 25g of Pectin SAP and 25g of Acrylic SAP served as the
positive control group; 25g of Orange peel powder, 25g of orange peel
solution and 25g of orange peel mixture served as the experimental
group; and one planting container containing no sample served as the
control. Each sample was mixed with the soil and saturated with 100ml of
water on day 0. No additional watering was performed during the
experimental period, which lasted 21 days.
Monitoring Soil Moisture: A soil moisture meter was used in this
experiment. Soil moisture was taken at 7pm every day for 21 days. The
moisture meter was inserted 4cm deep into each pot and the reading was
taken. The reading was taken from five different locations in each pot and
the average readings were measured and recorded.

Result: These results indicated that the three orange peel variables,
acrylic SAP, starch SAP and Pectin SAP all had significantly greater soil
moisture levels compared to the control after Day 10. Twenty-one days
after the initial watering on Day 0, the soil moisture in the pots containing
the 'Orange peel powder', 'Orange peel mixture', starch SAP and acrylic
SAP remained at moisture levels of 3.8 to 4.8. These moisture levels are
also plant growth friendly. This experiment also indicates that there was
no significant difference between the 'Orange peel mixture' and 'Acrylic
SAP' in soil water retention.

3. Test – III
Aim: To determine growth of plant.
Growth of the Tulsi: The results regarding the growth of the Tulsi plants
are shown in Figures 6 and 7. In figure 6, the number of flowers of the
plants were significantly larger in the 'Orange peel mixture' and acrylic
SAP compared to the control group. In Figure 7, results indicated that the
Tulsi plants were significantly healthier and stronger in the 'Orange peel
mixture' compared to the acrylic SAP. The Tulsi plant began to die after
Day 10 in the control, while the plants in the acrylic SAP and 'Orange peel
mixture' continued to grow consistently until Day 16 and began to die after
Day 20.
 Result: Growth of Tulsi highest in orange peel made SAP.
4. A link to the video of the working model/prototype https://youtu.be/49-
WnA6ZL8k

7. Field Testing: The testing is done on 8 maize plants of Pratap Makka-5 in a row.
The comparisons are done and represented on a bar graph. All the average height
growths of the respective tests are taken together.
7.1 Experimental Environment:
Area = 100 sq. ft.
̊ .
Temperature Range = 25 to 38 C
Seed type = Pratap Makka-5.
Site Selection = Farms of College of Technology and Engineering, Maharana Pratap
University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan, 313001.
Soil Type = Sandy Soil

7.2 Observations:

Day 1 = 10/07/2018
Day 100 = 19/10/2018
These are the observations of respective testing done at CTAE Farms:
7.2.1 Testing of Maize with Grade-A

Grade-A Sample
S. No. Date
Day Average Height (cm)
1. 12/08/2018 33 35
2. 22/09/2018 45 74
3. 24/08/2018 55 98
4. 18/09/2018 70 155
5. 3/10/2018 85 180
6. 19/10/2018 100 206
7.2.2 Testing of Maize with Grade-B

Grade-B Sample
S. No. Date
Day Average Height (cm)
1. 12/08/2018 33 35
2. 22/09/2018 45 70
3. 24/08/2018 55 93
4. 18/ 09/2018 70 148
5. 3/10/2018 85 178
6. 19/10/2018 100 197

7.2.3 Testing with Other SAP

Other SAP Sample

S. No. Date
Day Average Height (cm)
1. 12/08/2018 33 35
2. 22/09/2018 45 65
3. 24/08/2018 55 77
4. 18/ 09/2018 70 110
5. 3/10/2018 85 131.5
6. 19/10/2018 100 144.5

7.2.4 Testing with Mulching

Mulching
S. No. Date
Day Average Height (cm)
1. 12/08/2018 33 35
2. 22/09/2018 45 64.3
3. 24/08/2018 55 75
4. 18/ 09/2018 70 108
5. 3/10/2018 85 130.5
6. 19/10/2018 100 140

7.2.5 Under Normal Case without the Use of any Sample

Without the Use of any Sample

S. No. Date
Day Average Height (cm)
1. 12/08/2018 33 35
2. 22/09/2018 45 60
3. 24/08/2018 55 70
4. 18/ 09/2018 70 105
5. 3/10/2018 85 120
6. 19/10/2018 100 130.5
7.3 Outcomes:
7.3.1 Grade-A

a. The average diameter of the stem of maize crops in centimeter 7.5 cm.

b. Average number of leaves on every maize plant 15.

c. Irrigation: 2 times.
7.3.2 Grade-B

a. The average diameter of the stem of maize crops in centimeter 7 cm

b. Average number of leaves on every maize plant 13

c. Irrigation: 2 times
7.3.3 Other SAP

a. The average diameter of the stem of maize crops in centimeter 5 cm

b. Average number. of leaves on every maize plant 9

c. Irrigation: 2 times
7.3.4 Mulching

a. The average diameter of the stem of maize crops in centimeter 4.5 cm.

b. Average number of leaves on every maize plant 9

c. Irrigation: 2 times
7.3.5 Normal Conditions (without the use of any sample)

a. The average diameter of the stem of maize crops in centimeter 4.3 cm

b. Average number of leaves on every maize plant 9

c. Irrigation: 2 times
7.4 Outcomes can be concluded as:
7.4.1 The average height growth of maize crop was highest in the case of
Grade-A.
Growth observed: Grade-A > Grade-B > Other SAP > Mulching > Normal Case
7.4.2 The water retention power observed, can be ranked as
Retention power: Other SAP > Grade-A > Grade-B > Mulching > Normal case
7.4.3 Comparison of Stem Diameter can be ranked as per obtained results
Stem dia.: Grade-A > Grade-B > Other SAP > Mulching > Normal Case
7.4.4 Average Number of leaves per plant was the highest in the case of
Grade-A
Avg. no. of leaves: Grade-A > Grade-B > Other SAP > Mulching > Normal Case
8. Results: The results are good in all way than we are expecting.
 Actual Findings: The water holding capacity for the proposed solution is very
high. It can hold water for 15-21 days and can reduce the water requirements by
70%. Due to its bio-degradable property, there is no residual problem at all. Also
the growth of tested plant is increase by 300%. It is very big achievement for the
solution. In whole period of the test, we did not used any kind of fertilizer and we
find that with proposed solution, the requirement of fertilizer is null.
 Problem Encountered: The main problem faced during the test was
measurement of parameters like moisture content which is changing at very slow
rate. Also in the maintenance of the laboratory which is in open space and we
have to be high alert to avoid any kind of external involvement of water.
 Pros and Cons, Utility of Results: The pros include the high water holding
capacity, high moisture level maintenance, less water requirement or reduction in
water requirements, works as fertilizer and hence reduction in fertilizer also. Apart
from that no pollution at all, no residual problem, no special process to use just
have to mix with soil by spreading, and it has very low prices than other available
in the market.
The cons for the solution is not too much to elaborate. The only cons, we able to
measure it sustainability as it can work for 6 month duration. So farmers need to
use this solution 2 times in a year.
According to results shown in the test, it can be used for all types of crop, fruits,
vegetable etc. It is very easy to use and because of low prices farmers can use it
for big areas also.

9. A link of the Google Drive Folder which contains Pictures and Video of the working
model/prototype:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15gC6YwgaLFaVdGtrqtFIexfC
QSp1L7KA?usp=sharing

10. Application:
 Idea as a Solution to the Problem: As we defined the problem statement, the
application of the solution is very clear that it can minimize the problem we said.
Our proposed solution can reduce the water requirement up to 70% and this
saved water can be used for the other purpose. In that way the less water
availability for the irrigation can be minimize to its lowest point.
  Additional Applications: The additional application include that it can be used
as fertilizer because it minimizing the 50% fertilizer requirement. So it can be
used as organic fertilizer also. Apart from that it can be used for in-house planting
as people forgot to irrigate them regularly so our solution can extend their
irrigation cycle and plant can survive for more days without water.
 Benefits to the Users: Our users are farmers, gardeners, nurseries, and vertical
agriculture. The benefits to them are very high like by using our solution they can
save 70% of their water uses. This saved water can be used for other purpose
i.e. to irrigate more productive land, for drinking purpose etc. Farmers can
cultivate 3 times of land with the same water they have. It will increase their
annual income and make them more economically capable. Also, our proposed
solution minimizing the fertilizer requirement by 50% so farmers need to use only
50% fertilizer than they are using prior. It also save their expenditure for the
fertilizer. The overall growth with our solution is also good and hence their
productivity will be increased to 150%.

11. Cost analysis:

Collection and Segregation 40

Processing Machine 3
Logistic 70
Packaging 4
Total Cost 117

12. Channel Data: We have customer base in agriculture farmers, nurseries, gardening
and organic farming. At present, we have around 80 customers in Rajasthan and
same from Nagpur, Maharashtra, Kerla, Gujrat, and Telangana.
We have sold approximately 2700 kgs to different customers and local farmers. Also,
we received order of 25 Lacs from Govt. of Rajasthan and we are making our best
effort to fulfil this order as soon as possible.
13. Customer Feedback: We have used our product with Department of Forestry
Organization (DFO), Agriculture University, Oxy Plant Pvt. Ltd., Food Pvt. Ltd. Co.
Green Living NGO, Alokya Agro Innovations Pvt. Ltd., and with some local farmers.
We received positive feedback from all of them and especially from DFO, due to this
Rajasthan Govt. provided 25 Lacs of working order through Change for Challenge.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/19BTXKxz_uM1fZpk3wAoEK3e5hX6yMjbL/view?usp=
sharing
The Oxy Plant Pvt. Ltd. is our distributing partner and premier customer in Jaipur.
They providing us a local support for marketing and sales of product in nurseries,
gardeners, house hold plants, and with farmers.
The Maharana Pratap Agriculture University tested our product and found it as a
huge success in terms of organic fertilizer and organic polymers. By keeping in mind,
they support in all the possible way by launching our product at International
Agriculture Summit 2018.
The Food Pvt. Ltd. used our 100 kgs of product with nurseries plant, vegetables, and
fruit. They found our product promising for the organic farming and for chemical free
vegetables, fruit etc. By inspiring the results of our product they committed for the
distributorship in Nagpur.
 Green Living NGO works with ARC Foundation to grow plant in barren land. They
tested our 20 kgs of product with their plant and surprising results with success. Now,
they are more interested to use our product with all their sites and ordered 200 kgs
more product for their upcoming plantation project.
Alokya Agro Innovations Pvt. Ltd. read our article on YourStory and found that our
product can be very helpful to grow their plants, vegetables, fruit, and flowers. They
also tested our product and found viable for their uses. Recently, we got
distributorship offer from them in Telangana region.
Here is some links for feedback that we recorded form our customers:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3dbYVD0DYcseXBmcUZ2WjRmVzg/view?usp=gma
il
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EguEMDGKAzHIeNwYjkj8x7Rprw3ERn9c/view?usp=
sharing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WONLSLI_oTs&authuser=1
14. Future Prospects and Research: SAPs and SAPCs are very dynamic research
areas in polymer sciences due to the advances in polymer syntheses resulting in
better WAC, higher gel strength and faster absorption rate, as well as other materials
properties for comfort and safety. Nanotechnology will likely play a major role in the
production of the higher performance SAPs and SAPCs.
In terms of revenue the global super absorbent polymer market was valued at US$
7.1 Bn in 2014, and is estimated to be slightly over US$ 9 Bn by 2020. In terms of
volume the global super absorbent polymer market stood at 2119.5 (‘000 Tons) in
2014, and is anticipated to reach a volume of 2,892.4 (‘000 Tons) by 2020.

15. Other Details: The patent for the proposed solution is at application process and we
are trying to acquire it as soon as possible.
The business plan for the solution is that we are trying to connect with customers
directly. And to do this, we are contacting to the small agriculture product dealer and
trying to tie with them so we can reach to the direct customers. As dealers have their
own customers base so we just have to advertisement our solution enough to
increase awareness within targeted market.
Other news, website, and reports from IIM Ahmedabad are as follows:
www.efpolymer.com
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2kKm_NTR1R7d3RObHpaeUV4UlpwLTliRjd3U09z
RFhhRmRN/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hkoRiR9qnxhnikZpChOsG12AKeg5FlpN/view?usp=s
haring
https://solarimpulse.com/companies/eco-friendly-water-retention-natural-polymer
http://techpedia.in/blog/eco-friendly-water-retention-natural-polymer/
https://yourstory.com/2018/08/20-year-olds-startup-helps-farmers-deal-water-
scarcity-drought-ridden-rajasthan/
http://tiny.cc/m5km1y
https://m.facebook.com/YuvaRajasthanOfficial/photos/a.1996096030629004/202000
1338238473/?type=3&source=48