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FIELD PROMOTION OF WATER-ABSORBENT POLYMER FOR CROP PRODUCTION DURING EL NIÑO |
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Drought conditions during El Niņo necessitate extra effort among farmers/producers to ensure that their crops receive adequate amounts of moisture. When there is limited rain and irrigation supply, more efficient use of the resource is the best recourse. Water absorbent polymers promote efficient water use in crop production. The gel-forming polymer (cross-linked polyacrylamides) absorbs water from 40-500 times their weight thereby improving the water holding capacity of porous soils and allowing more moisture to be available to the plant. Crop mortality or permanent wilting is therefore avoided or minimized when water stress occurs. Though literature suggests the effectiveness of the material, it is but proper that its technical and economic feasibility be evaluated under local settings and with the imposing glare of El Niņo. |
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