A series of superabsorbent hydrogel based on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and polyvinylpyrrolidone
(PVP) crosslinked with gamma irradiation have been proposed for agriculture application. The effect of
preparation conditions such as feed solution composition and absorbed irradiation dose on the gelation
and swelling degree was evaluated. The structure and the morphology of the superabsorbent CMC/PVP
hydrogel were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technique (FTIR), and scanning
electron microscope (SEM). Effect of ionic strength and cationic and anionic kinds on the swelling
behavior of the obtained hydrogel was investigated. Urea as an agrochemical model was loaded onto
the obtained hydrogel to provide nitrogen (N) nutrients. The water retention capability and the urea
release behavior of the CMC/PVP hydrogels were investigated. It was found that, the obtained CMC/
PVP hydrogels have good swelling degree that greatly affected by its composition and absorbed dose.
The swelling was also extremely sensitive to the ionic strength and cationic kind. Owing to its considerable
slow urea release, good water retention capacity, being economical, and environment-friendly, it
might be useful for its application in agriculture field.