Hydrogels are blended with water to produce a hydrogel solution. Viscosity ofthehydrogel solution is controlled by adjusting the ratio of hydrogel to waterand/or by adjusting theblending conditions. The hydrogel solutions may be used to modify the rheologyof agriculturalcompositions. The hydrogel may include lactose, which may be provided by amilk permeatewaste stream from the dairy or food processing industry.