# Evaluation of the Impact of Cassava Peel-Derived Biodegradable Hydrogel on Water Use Efficiency (WUE), Fertilizer Use Efficiency (FUE), and Nutrient Dynamics in Paddy Fields

“Evaluation of the Impact of Cassava Peel-Derived Biodegradable Hydrogel on Water Use Efficiency (WUE), Fertilizer Use Efficiency (FUE), and Nutrient Dynamics in Paddy Fields” (2026), by Jenard Mathayo Mlengera¹ et al. Agriculture and Biology research paper. Original abstract below, unchanged. A free PDF is available.

- Authors: Jenard Mathayo Mlengera¹, Stanslaus Terengia Materu, Yusto Mugisha Yustas
- Published: November 4, 2026
- Field: Agriculture and Biology
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-10140835/v1
- Free PDF: https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-10140835/latest.pdf

## Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of a cassava peel-derived biodegradable hydrogel on Water Use Efficiency (WUE), Fertilizer Use Efficiency (FUE), and nutrient dynamics in paddy rice production. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed to assess the effect of four hydrogel application rates (0, 10, 20, and 30 kg ha − 1 ). Results demonstrate that hydrogel application optimizes resource productivity by mitigating nutrient leaching and enhancing moisture retention in the root zone. WUE reached a peak of 0.272 ± 0.041 kg m − ³ at the 30 kg ha − 1 rate, significantly outperforming the control (0.234 ± 0.021 kg m − ³). While tissue concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) showed no statistically significant differences across treatments, total nutrient uptake (kg ha − 1 ) displayed an increasing trend at higher application rates, primarily driven by improved biomass yield. Furthermore, the hydrogel improved nutrient recovery efficiency compared to the control, though further multi-season field trials are required to confirm these observations. These findings suggest that cassava peel-derived hydrogel is a promising soil amendment for sustainable rice intensification in Tanzania.

Canonical page: https://nerdi.pages.dev/paper/W7225265505
Read three real papers a day in Nerdi (iPhone): https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6813826387?pt=128757794&ct=web-paper&mt=8