Use of super absorbent polymer in growing media mixture for vinca (Catharanthus roseus G. Don) under drought condition
2019
De Guzman, D.I.R. | Tayobong, R.R.P. | Magdalita, P.M. | Medina, N.G.
Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) can absorb enormous amount of water and commonly found in commercial hygiene products like diaper and for other industrial uses. Its ability to hold and release water has high potential use for horticulture especially in areas with drought season. To determine the possible use of recycled SAP from diapers, an initial study was conducted to determine the effect of SAP and its ratio as part of growing media mixture for vinca (Catharanthus roseus G. Don) subjected to drought condition. All the treatments have the same growing media mixture (1:1 burnt rice hull and soil) but with varying ratio of SAP: (T1) 0%. (T2) 25% (T3) 50% and (T4) 75% v/v. All of the plants were maintained in a greenhouse at UPLB [University of the Philippines Los Baños] before subjected to drought condition: no watering under full sunlight for one month. Vinca in growing media mixture with SAP showed better growth and development compared to control except for T4 (75% SAP) where all the plants did not survive after two weeks. The plants in T2 (25% SAP) and T3 (50% SAP) significantly showed delayed sign of wilting and continuously grow and produce came out as the best ratio as the plants showed the best growth rate, flowering and longest period to survive the drought condition.
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