The effect of super-hydro-grow polymer on soil moisture, nitrogen status and maize growth

Abstract

Irrigation, as a major solution to drought, is connected with irreversible nitrogen losses due to leaching. Improvement of soil management through the application of biodegradable polymers, as soil water bearers, gives a new approach in drought control. Trials were performed to examine the influence of Super-Hydro-Grow polymer (SHG), a starch-based polymer, on maize growth and grain yield, compared with rain-fed and irrigation cropping practices. The climatic conditions during 2006 were moderate compared to the ones in 2007, which was a relatively dry year. The positive impact of the polymer on plant growth was observed through the significant increases in the fresh matter of the shoots and grain yield, compared to the other treatments. In addition to maintaining soil moisture (as its main function) during the vegetative period, the polymer suppressed soil N deprivation making it advantageous cropping practice. Furthermore, the extended effect of the SHG polymer on the subsequent rotational crops should be considered.