Desertification is the degradation of land in arid and semi-arid areas. Nowadays, lack of water and desertification are extreme problems for plant survival and growth in the arid and semi-arid areas of the world. It becomes increasingly important as to how to let the plant absorb moisture more effectively for keeping growth strong. We synthesized superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) with carbohydrate and characterized them by Fourier transform infrared spectra analyses, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric/differential thermal analyses. Then, a completely randomized experiment was conducted to assess the effect of carbohydrate-based SAPs on seed germination and seedling growth of maize in an artificial climate chest. The results showed that adding an appropriate amount of SAPs could improve root length, shoot length, total biomass, germination potential and germination rate. It indicates that this SAP is not toxic to plants and can promote seed germination, and at the same time provides a possibility of replacing other substrates.

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For proven effects of eco-friendly super absorbent polymer and gibberellin on germination and growth of alfalfa, taking the germination and growth test in the artificial climate box by adding the different amount of super absorbent polymer and gibberellin. Observed the germination potential, germination rate, shoot length, root length, fresh weight and dry weight, under the different experiment conditions. The test showed that the super absorbent polymer had a promoting effect on alfalfa. The property of slowly release water, water supply on super absorbent polymer could keep plants prolonging the survival rate in the case of insufficient water supply. It could improve the germination rate of the seed of alfalfa. Adding super absorbent polymer and gibberellin not only improved the survival rate, but also promoted the growth of root and shoot on alfalfa.