Hydrogel Solution from Students for Water Efficiency in Agriculture
Competing at a festival in Şanlıurfa, young people designed an innovative system that prevents water loss in the soil and keeps the root zone moist.
Within the scope of TEKNOFEST 2026 events held at Şanlıurfa GAP Airport, a student hydrogel project aiming for the efficient use of water in agricultural irrigation has advanced to the finals.
TEKNOFEST 2026 Events
Organized under the leadership of the Ministry of Industry and Technology and the T3 Foundation, the Aviation, Space and Technology Festival continues in full swing at Şanlıurfa GAP Airport.
Agricultural Technologies Competition
Succeeding in reaching the finals of the Agricultural Technologies Competition organized within the festival, the project offers an important alternative aimed at increasing water efficiency in agricultural production.
Working Principle of the Hydrogel System
In order to prevent irrigation and rainwater from being lost before plants can utilize them, the students developed a special hydrogel system that traps moisture in the root zone for a long time.
Sponge Effect Underground
Placed into the pits opened for seeds, the hydrogel absorbs rainwater and irrigation water, swelling up and contributing to the preservation of the moisture ratio underground.
Student Statements and Easy Application
12th-grade student Onur Duman stated that the system can be easily applied by farmers and ensures that plant roots remain moist even when the soil dries out.