Effects of superabsorbent polyacrylamides on efficiency of water use by crop seedlings

Abstract

Abstract Cross‐linked polyacrylamide expands upon contact with water to form a pliable gel that in a growing medium constitutes a reservoir of moisture available for uptake by plants. Trials with seedlings of three crop species ( Lactuca sativa L, Raphanus sativus L, Triticum aestivum L) using measurements of yield and evapotranspiration ratio show that gel‐stored moisture is utilised with a greater efficiency than conventional forms of water. Moreover, gel storage of water provides a buffer against temporary drought stress and the potential for reducing the risk of failure of certain crops at establishment.