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

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.