TITLE:
Superabsorbent polymer for water management in forestry
AUTHORS:
Miguel Casquilho, Abel Rodrigues, Fátima Rosa
KEYWORDS:
Absorption; Desorption; Sodium Polyacrylate; Superabsorbent Polymer; SAP
JOURNAL NAME:
Agricultural Sciences,
Vol.4 No.5B,
July
15,
2013
ABSTRACT:
The effectiveness of
a superabsorbent polymer of sodium polyacrylate was studied, with emphasis on
water management, i.e., absorption,
retention and desorption in the soil. The polymer was applied in plots with a
sandy soil near Grandola (southern Portugal). Characterization of the most
relevant physical and chemical properties of the polymer was made, namely, its
specific gravity, particle diameter, capacity of water absorption and
desorption. In the plots with and without the polymer, soil moisture was
continuously monitored, and grassland biomass samples were collected and
weighed. The results reflected the effective role of the polymer both in the
improvement of the water regime in the soil and in the substantial increment of
grassland productivity.