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Superabsorbent Polymer Use in Rangeland Restoration: Glasshouse Trials

Author

Listed:
  • Shannon V. Nelson

    (Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences (PWS), Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA)

  • Neil C. Hansen

    (Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences (PWS), Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA)

  • Matthew D. Madsen

    (Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences (PWS), Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA)

  • Val Jo Anderson

    (Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences (PWS), Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA)

  • Dennis L. Eggett

    (Department of Statistics (STAT), Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA)

  • Bryan G. Hopkins

    (Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences (PWS), Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA)

Abstract

Post-disturbance rangeland restoration efforts are often thwarted due to soil moisture deficits. Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) absorb hundreds of times their weight in water, increasing soil moisture when the SAP is mixed with soil. The objective of this study was to evaluate banded SAPs under the soil surface to increase plant available water and thus seedling establishment for perennial rangeland species during restoration efforts. Five glasshouse experiments with two rangeland perennial grass species, bottlebrush squirreltail ( Elymus elymoides ) or Siberian wheatgrass ( Agropyron fragile ), were conducted. Treatments varied, including SAP rates ranging from 11–3000 kg ha −1 with placement mostly banded at depths extending from the surface up to a 15 cm depth. Generally, SAPs increased soil moisture at all rates and depths for up to 49 days. However, rates ≥ 750 kg ha −1 caused the soil to swell and crack, potentially hastening soil drying later in the season. Seedling longevity was increased up to 12 days, especially at the high SAP band rate of 3000 kg ha −1 when the band was 8 or 15 cm deep. Further work is needed to verify banded SAP rates and placement depths in the field, ascertain conditions to reduce soil displacement, and evaluate benefits across species.

Suggested Citation

  • Shannon V. Nelson & Neil C. Hansen & Matthew D. Madsen & Val Jo Anderson & Dennis L. Eggett & Bryan G. Hopkins, 2023. "Superabsorbent Polymer Use in Rangeland Restoration: Glasshouse Trials," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-31, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:12:y:2023:i:1:p:232-:d:1032539
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Singh, Neha & Agarwal, Swati & Jain, Avni & Khan, Suphiya, 2021. "3-Dimensional cross linked hydrophilic polymeric network “hydrogels”: An agriculture boom," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 253(C).
    2. AbdAllah, Ahmed M. & Mashaheet, Alsayed M. & Burkey, Kent O., 2021. "Super absorbent polymers mitigate drought stress in corn (Zea mays L.) grown under rainfed conditions," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 254(C).
    3. Mengxuan He & Lingyue Lv & Hongyuan Li & Weiqing Meng & Na Zhao, 2016. "Analysis on Soil Seed Bank Diversity Characteristics and Its Relation with Soil Physical and Chemical Properties after Substrate Addition," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(1), pages 1-16, January.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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