Agronomic potential of high water-absorbing polymers
1997
Sanan Ratananukul
Nine experiments were conducted to assess the agronomic effectiveness of high water absorbing polymer (HWAP). These comprise 3 laboratory tests, 3 glasshouse pot experiments and 3 field experiments. Results obtained from the laboratories revealed that water absorbing capacity of the polymer decreased as ionic content of soil solution increased. Bulk density of saturated soils decreased, total soil porosity increased and water related soil properties were altered depending on rate of the HWAP applied. Application of the HWAP to Korat series soil (Oxic Paleustults) resulted in the increase of water use efficiency of vegetable soybean. Applications of the HWAP to growing media prolonged watering frequency of pot plant. Watering frequency was depending on types of growing media and rates of the HWAP applied. Metal elements contain in the HWAP in the form of Polyacrylamide and polyacrylonitrile had no side effects on sweet corn growth. The HWAP in the form of Polyacrylate which contain substantial amount of Sodium (Na) exerted toxic effects on sweet corn. Once the HWAP being applied into the soil, it will be degraded continuously. Main factors affecting the HWAP degradation rate are soil textures and application methods. Six months after applying the HWAP in the form fo Polyacrylamide into the soil, the HWAP leftover in the soil was accounted to about 50 percent of the applied rate. As compared to farm manure, the HWAP applied to transplanted fruit trees at 150 grams per planting hole exerted more benefical effects on plant growth. Wrapping bare root of fruit tree seedlings with coconut fibers containing 1 percent of the HWAP increased survival rate of transplanted seedlings by 10 percent as compared to newspaper sheets and coconut fibers. Application of the HWAP to Durian by adding into 4 large opposite holes within the tree canopy area had insignificant impact on water use efficiency of Durian.
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