Can Superabsorbent Polymers Improve Plants Production in Arid Regions?

Abstract

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) have shown to be quite effective and useful in acting as a reservoir for water and some nutrients in arid and semiarid regions. There are many studies in Iran that have been performed in relation to SAPs and their useful application in agriculture; however, there is still a lack of its applied definition in arid regions. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of doing a meta-analysis of the results of studies conducted in Iran and answering a general question about whether the application of SAPs has been effective in enhancing the production or not, and if so, how much of SAP is recommended. To conduct this research, articles published during 2006–2016 on the subject of the effects of different rates of SAP application on yield and yield components of crops (including cereals, legumes, and medicinal and grassland plants) were investigated. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the mean consumption rate of SAPs for cereals, legumes, and medicinal and grassland plants was 83, 322, 1031, and 210 kg ha−1, respectively, and that, at these SAP application rates, the mean seed yield in cereals, medicinal plants, and legumes increased by 15.2, 12.6, and 38% (equivalent to 1059, 345, and 452 kg ha−1), respectively, compared with the control. Dry matter response to superabsorbent application was slower compared with the seed yield response. The mean consumption of 83 kg ha−1 of superabsorbent for cereals increased seed yield by 15.2% on average. According to the results, it seems that the application of 100 kg SAP ha−1 is the most appropriate rate for increasing seed and dry matter yields and satisfying economic aspects. These study findings may shed light on the environment and socioeconomic concerns and improve efficacy and reduction of costs.

Agricultural Applications of Superabsorbent Polymer Hydrogels

“…Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are widely used as containers for water and plant nutrients, especially in arid and semiarid regions, since they significantly improve water usage efficiency [ 21 ]. According to a recent review, the application of 100 kg SAP per hectare is the most appropriate rate for increasing seed and dry matter yields and satisfying economic aspects, allowing to increase in cereal seed yield by more than 15% [ 22 ].…”

Water‐soluble polymers in agriculture: xanthan gum as eco‐friendly alternative to synthetics

“…Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) or hydrogels are cross‐linked hydrophilic polymers able to absorb significant quantities of water of up to 1000 times their dry weight (Li et al ., 2014; Lejcuś et al ., 2018). By binding a large amount of water in the soil and making it available to the plants for longer periods, crop yields can be improved, especially in arid regions (Hou et al ., 2018; Satriani et al ., 2018; Jahan and Nassiri Mahallati, 2020).…”

Nutritional Management Improved Sesame Performance and Soil Properties: a Function-Based Study on Sesame as Affected by Deficit Irrigation, Water Superabsorbent, and Salicylic Acid

“…It has been reported that the highest sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) SY obtained when 80 kg ha −1 SAP, 6 kg ha −1 humic acid, and 50% of the sesame water requirement during the growing season were applied (Nassiri-Mahallati and Jahan 2020). The results of the meta-analysis performed on the published studies regarding the application of SAP in crop production in Iran indicate the positive effect of SAP on biomass production and grain yield of various crops across arid regions of the country (Jahan and Nassiri-Mahallati 2020).…”