With summer and vacation season in full swing, keeping plants hydrated for days at a time becomes a challenge for many people. In response, AIMPLAS, the Plastic Technology Institute, developed, within the framework of the European RAINS project, solid water, a biodegradable alternative capable of storing water and releasing it gradually, contributing to a 25% reduction in irrigation frequency.
Unlike conventional watering gels, this solution acts as an intelligent water-retention system that stores water and releases it progressively according to the plant’s needs. In this way, it helps maintain substrate moisture for extended periods and avoids both water stress and overwatering at the root zone.
Solid water is composed of more than 95% water and is built on a biodegradable matrix. Thanks to its ability to store large quantities of water and release it in a controlled manner, it helps maintain optimal moisture conditions for longer and improves irrigation efficiency.
Moreover, because it is made from biodegradable materials, it contains no microplastics or substances toxic to the environment or human health, and it naturally degrades in the soil without leaving persistent residues.
«With this technology, we aim to offer a solution that allows water to be used more efficiently, releasing it gradually only when the plant needs it and thus reducing irrigation frequency while maintaining biomass and plant health,» explained Jaime Andrés, a researcher in Sustainable Materials for Agriculture and Aquaculture at AIMPLAS.
From the Garden to the Urban Farm
Although this technology is born with clear potential for agriculture, it can also become an ally for home plant care, especially during the summer. Its application is particularly useful in pots, terraces, balconies, gardens, planters, or urban farms, where it helps maintain moisture during hot periods or when owners are away for a few days.
In addition to contributing to more responsible water use, the system helps reduce the total volume of water needed for irrigation by maintaining a continuous source of moisture around the roots.
«Solid water represents a biodegradable alternative to traditional water-retention systems, as it combines more efficient use of the water resource with biodegradable materials and no microplastics», said Jaime Andrés.
