Under soil conditions, these nano/micro-gels act as reservoirs, storing water during periods of excess and gradually releasing it during water insufficiency. Accordingly, this superabsorbent property significantly enhances soil water-holding capacity, reducing irrigation frequency and conserving water resources [
118]. For example, supramolecular microgel based on chitosan, salicylaldehyde, and urea have demonstrated impressive water absorption of 68 g g
−1, resulting in a notable upsurge in soil water holding capacity by 154%. Moreover, this formulation nearly doubled the nitrogen content in the soil, resulting in approximately 70% higher plant growth compared to the bulk soil [
94]. Li et al. [
95] fabricated a multifunctional microsphere supramolecular soil conditioner based on chitosan, gelatin, β-cyclodextrin, and Arabic gum loaded with ferrous sulfate. This formulation exhibited thermal decomposition temperature, high water retention capacity, controlled-release behavior, antibacterial performance, and heavy metal ions adsorption, making it ideal for improving soil quality. An unusual type of supramolecular microsphere was prepared through physical crosslinking of gelatin, sodium alginate, and pickling zeolite loaded with FeO(OH); they encapsulated urea, exhibiting high swelling, water retention, and sustained-release properties [
96]. This innovative formulation acts as an effective soil conditioner, enhancing soil quality and plant growth. Novel superabsorbent hydrogels have been fabricated by grafting guar gum with acrylic acid and crosslinking with ethylene glycol di methacrylic acid. These hydrogels significantly improve several soils’ physiochemical properties, including enhancing moisture retention capacity by up to 54%, and increasing its porosity by up to 9% compared to the original soil composition [
97]. A supramolecular composite hydrogel, consisting of a double crosslinked interpenetrating network within a porous matrix of bacterial cellulose, was employed for monitoring irrigation applications. This hydrogel exhibited exceptional mechanical properties and showcased distinctive fluorescence capabilities. It retained a high level of strength even after undergoing repeated cycles of swelling and drying, as well as enduring long-term compressive processes. Additionally, the hydrogel demonstrated a non-conventional fluorescence behavior, which remained stable even under extreme environmental conditions like high/low temperatures and exposure to various organic solvents [
98]. Besides their direct impact, nano/micro- supramolecular biopolymers can indirectly affect soil structure by promoting favorable conditions for soil microorganisms. By increasing moisture retention, these structures support the proliferation of microbial populations, leading to a potential increase in soil microbial community and their ability to function effectively [
119]. A thriving microbial community can further enhance soil structure by producing extracellular substances such as polysaccharides and glues, acting as natural adhesives, binding soil particles together, and improving soil stability [
120]. For instance, Ramachandran et al. [
121], found that in situ bacterial dextran produced by
Leucononstoc mesenteroids, demonstrated impressive efficiency in soil stabilization with comparable mechanical properties as commercial polymers. Applying xanthan gum biopolymer as a soil amendment improved particle binding in sandy soil and improved water uptake efficiency under drought conditions [
122]. This, in turn, contributes to better water infiltration, reduced soil erosion, and enhanced nutrient availability for plants. Therefore, while micro/nano-supramolecular biopolymers do not directly increase soil microbial population, their positive impact on soil moisture can create conditions supporting soil microorganisms’ growth and activity.
Figure 3 depicts the water-absorbing mechanism of supramolecular hydrogels.