Biomass Super Absorbent Polymer (Biomass SAP)

Biomass SAP is a starch-based superabsorbent polymer designed to improve water retention and controlled release in agricultural soil systems. By retaining moisture in the root zone, it helps make water available where plants need it most and supports more stable crop performance under drought and water-limited conditions.

Improved root-zone moisture can support early plant establishment and root development while helping reduce fertilizer loss caused by nutrient runoff. Trial data also indicate the potential to suppress soil temperature rise, providing an additional benefit under high-temperature growing conditions.

Biomass SAP is available as a powder type with a particle size below 2 mm, making it suitable for soil incorporation, furrow application, formulation development, and blending. Seed treatment and coating applications are currently under evaluation.

NAGASE provides Biomass SAP together with samples, technical data, performance information, and support for discussing application methods and trial setups.

Biomass SAP is designed for agricultural applications where efficient root-zone water management and crop establishment are important.

• Soil incorporation – Applied into the root zone during sowing or planting
• Furrow application – Localized water retention directly in the planting furrow
• Formulation development – Powder form suitable for agricultural blends and formulations
• Water-limited cultivation – Supports root-zone moisture management under drought conditions
• Seed treatment and coating – Potential seed-level applications currently under evaluation

Biomass SAP combines root-zone water retention with biomass-based technology to support more stable agricultural performance.

• Starch-based SAP – Biomass-based superabsorbent polymer for agricultural soil systems
• Root-zone water retention – Retains moisture where plants need it most
• Plant establishment support – Supports early growth and root development
• Improved resource efficiency – Helps reduce fertilizer loss through nutrient runoff
• Heat mitigation potential – Lower soil temperatures observed in pot and field trials

What is Biomass SAP?
Biomass SAP is a starch-based superabsorbent polymer designed for agricultural soil water management. It retains water in the root zone and releases moisture where plants can access it.

How does Biomass SAP support crops under drought conditions?
Biomass SAP helps retain water in the root zone, supporting moisture availability during critical growth stages. This can contribute to stronger plant establishment, root development, and more stable crop performance.

How is Biomass SAP applied?
Biomass SAP can be incorporated into the root zone during sowing or applied directly into the planting furrow. Seed treatment and coating applications are currently under evaluation.

What is the recommended dosage for Biomass SAP?
The current application guideline recommends 10 kg of Biomass SAP per hectare, applied at sowing or planting and incorporated into the root zone for optimal performance.

Can Biomass SAP help reduce soil temperature?
Trial results indicate that Biomass SAP can help suppress soil temperature rise. In a pot test, temperatures were up to approximately 5 °C lower, while field testing also showed lower soil temperatures in treated plots under high-temperature conditions.

Does Biomass SAP improve fertilizer efficiency?
By retaining water in the root zone, Biomass SAP can help reduce nutrient runoff and fertilizer loss, supporting more efficient use of applied nutrients.

Are the same results expected for every crop and soil type?
No. Performance can vary depending on factors such as crop type, soil conditions, climate, irrigation, and application method. Application-specific trials are therefore recommended.