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• Few studies have analyzed the utilization of millet straw as raw materials in the preparation of superabsorbent resin. • The product had excellent water absorbency and slow-release property. • The product prepared by millet straw not only reduces production cost, but also promote plant growth. • Application of the fertilizer could achieve the goal of straw return to soil. To enhance utilization of waste straw and improve fertilizer efficiency, a novel semi-interpenetrating polymer network fertilizer (MSP-g-AA/PVA-APP) synthesized from straw cellulose and linear polymer was prepared by solution polymerization. The ammonium polyphosphate (APP) was introduced to supply nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients. The prepared materials were characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The water absorbency and slow-release behavior of MSP-g-AA/PVA-APP were also studied. The results indicated that MSP-g-AA/PVA-APP exhibited excellent water absorbency of 681.3 g/g in distilled water and enhanced the water retention capacity of soil. The cumulative N and P release rates of MSP-g-AA/PVA-APP were 55.1 % and 47.3 % after 30 days in soil, respectively. The effect of MSP-g-AA/PVA-APP on growth of wheat was studied, and the results show that the application products could facilitate the growth of wheat. It could be concluded that the product with water retention and slow-release property, being low costs and friendly to environment, had great potential for application in agricultural. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]