ISHS Acta Horticulturae 287: II International Symposium on Protected Cultivation of Vegetables in Mild Winter Climates
THE EFFECT OF POLY(ETHYLENE OXIDE) HYDROGEL ON CROP GROWTH UNDER SALINE CONDITIONS. |
| Authors: | R.A.K. Szmidt, N.B. Graham |
| Abstract:
Novel hydrogels suitable for a range of applications under saline conditions are described. This includes a brief introduction to the chemistry of these materials which are based on poly (ethylene oxide), (PEO). In laboratory bench studies, and for crops grown under protection it has been shown that these materials are a suitable substrate for hydroponic crop production. PEO hydrogel was tested alone and in combination with varying proportions of saline sand for production of tomato, cucumber and lettuce, with irrigation water applied at a range of salinities up to 32 000 ppm (approximately sea water). In the laboratory, plants, in the presence of polymer, were tolerant to all levels of salinity tested. Tolerance was reduced by increasing proportions of sand. Parameters such as fresh / dry weight were generally increased with polymer incorporation compared to sand. Studies of crops grown in PEO hydrogel and sand / polymer mixes under saline conditions indicate that these novel materials are able to moderate the influence of salinity on crop production. | |
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