Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are materials that can absorb significant amounts of water relative to their mass. The nature and properties of SAPs make them a widely utilized material across many disciplines. A systematic review was conducted to examine the use of SAPs within agriculture and environmental science. The method of application, rate, and the subsequent impact on soil properties were determined. Superabsorbent polymers can be used to improve and prolong soil water holding capacity, decrease drought stress, and increase time between irrigation events. There are results indicating SAPs can reduce compaction. Yield and plant growth characteristics were improved for all but one of the reviewed studies. While SAPs show potential as a tool, their economic feasibility on large‐scale and long‐term projects should be evaluated.

Infrastructure installation (e.g., pipelines) disturbs soils, often resulting in increased soil compaction (bulk density [Bd] and penetration resistance [PR]). The relationship of PR to Bd, gravimetric water content (Θg), and a suite of other properties were determined on seven topsoils to provide a model and database for reclamation specialists to use when assessing disturbed soils. Penetration resistance had a strong linear association with Bd, but higher Θg reduced the range of PR as Bd increased. Step‐wise regression identified Bd, Θg, texture, clay speciation, and organic matter as significant factors to predict PR. The model predicts PR from <1 to 8 MPa and closely match measured values. Soil Bd and Θg contributed to 84% of the model's explained variation in predicting PR. This study provides a tool for reclamation specialists that aids in understanding the risks associated with disturbances and highlights the importance of keeping Θg low during installation of pipelines.