Abstract
The hydrogel polymer materials are gaining importance with time in the arid and semi-arid regions to retain sufficient moisture for crop use during periods of water shortage/drought and thus to enhance crop yield. A long term field study was conducted at village Muqam, Tehsil Fateh Jang (District Attock) during 2011-2017 with the objective to observe the effect of two synthetic hydrogel polymers on the conservation of moisture in soil, physico-chemical properties of soil and fruit yield of citrus. For this purpose, Qemisoyl (cross-linked copolymer of acrylamide and potassium acrylate) and Soil Magic were applied at the rate of 100g plant-1 (as a single time application at the start of experiment) to five-year-old randomly selected five plants in five replicates. Recommended doses of fertilizers (N, P & K) were mixed into the soil under canopy area of selected plants. All the treatments were arranged in randomized completely block design (RCBD). To estimate moisture conservation, soil samples were collected at the end of every month and their moisture contents were recorded. For physico-chemical characteristics, soil samples were collected at harvesting time of fruit every year and data on growth and yield parameters were recorded. The data were statistically analyzed through Statistix 8.1 software. The results revealed a consistent significant increase of moisture conservation during seven years of the study by both hydrogels over control. However, the magnitude of increase was relatively higher in the treatment of Qemisoyl than Soil Magic. The effect of hydrogels on soil pH and bulk density was significant as compared to control. The porosity and organic matter of soil were also influenced by the application of Qemisoyl, and Soil Magic compared to control. Both the hydrogels caused a significant increase in plant height, plant periphery and number of fruits per plant. These results revealed that the application of Qemisoyl and Soil Magic had positive effect on soil moisture conservation, soil properties, growth and yield of citrus which enhanced profitability of the citrus growers in rainfed area of district Attock.
Abid Ali, Ayesha Malik, Rahina Kausar, Muhammad Imran Akram, Muhammad Akmal. (2021) Effects of hydrogels on citrus yield and soil physico-chemical properties in rainfed area of district Attock, The Journal Soil & Environment , Volume 40, Issue 2.
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