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Abstract
Three
perennial crops represented by Mahogany, Mango and Neem were used as test
seedlings to determine the effects of water absorbent polymer in water
conservation and on the growth and development of the plants. Fifty (50)
seedlings of each crop represented each treatment with the heights measured
at 30-day interval. The plants treated with water absorbent polymer grew
faster in all treatments. The difference in height is a clear manifestation
that the polymer hold water and make it available during plant growth
thus, avoiding water stress on the plants.
The
use of water absorbent polymer entails additional cost of about P2.00
per hill for annual crops like tomato and eggplants and P0.40
and P1.20 per seedling of perennial crops like Mahogany,
Mango, and Neem transplanted and potted, respectively. However, the savings
on water and mortality compensate more than the additional expenses
to be incurred on water absorbent polymer and labor during the initial
preparation and application.
However,
due to the limited time allotted in gathering information, it is recommended
that more trials be conducted to assess the net benefits of the use of
water absorbent as an alternative to arresting the ill effects of droughts
like the El Niņo phenomenon.
Source:
Rafael P. Creencia. A Collaborative Project of Ashlar Management Development
Corporation and PCARRD. Terminal Report, 1999.
For
more information, please contact PCARRD.
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