Water-absorbing polymer saim to increase the water retention capacity of the soil for the seedlings, providing better quality.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using the hydrogel in planting seedlings of Eucalyptus benthamii in pots, related to different water management, seeking to provide information on the hydrogel efficiency simulating field conditions. Seedlings about 25 cm planted in pots filled with 4.5 L of soil were used. The experiment was conducted in DIC in factorial 2x3, with absence and presence of hydrogel related to water management (irrigation only in the planting, every 3 and 6 days). Planting until the 47^th day were evaluated for the symptoms of water stress, chlorophyll content and gas exchange. Finally, was evaluated the development of the plants through the root dry weight and shoot, as well as determining the water retention curve. The hidrogel resulted in an increase in water retention, thus a delay in symptoms of water stress, positively influencing the chlorophyll content and gas exchange. The recovery of, gs, and 24 h after irrigation was visible. Assessments of dry biomass showed that the treatments with the presence of hydrogel showed a better development of seedlings.