Effects of hydrophilic polymer on the survival of bottonwood (Conocarpus erectus) seedlings grown under drought stress

The effect of 0.0 (control), 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 % of the hydrophilic polymer 'Stockosorb K-400 (TM)' hydrogel on survival and growth of buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus L.) seedlings grown in sandy soil under drought stress was investigated. Sol] water retention increased with increasing hydrogel concentrations. The highest concentration of the polymer prolonged the time of water loss from the soil by about 66 % more than the control soil. During drought stress, the seedlings grown In soil with 0.6 % hydrogel survived for longer time than those grown in the control soil. Hydrogel-amended soil increased significantly the growth of shoots and roots as compared with untreated soil. Plant water potential increased significantly with hydrogel application, thus it may aid in the establishment and growth of Conocarpus seedlings under water stress conditions. Effects of 0.4 and 0.6 % of hydrogel on the measured parameters were nearly similar. The study indicates that an amendment of soil with 0.4 to 0.6 % of the hydrophilic Polymer 'Stockosorb K-400' can be used in arid and semi-arid areas to provide a better environment for Conocarpus erectus seedlings to grow.