Effects of superabsorbent polymer and Plantbac panels on water consumption and growth in Saxaul in order to create green space in desert regions

Due to the limited water resources and low rainfall, finding proper solutions to reduce the water consumption for vegetation production in natural areas has received attention more than ever before. For this purpose, this research was aimed to investigate the effects of superabsorbent polymer and Plantbac panels on the efficient use of water on Saxaul (Haloxylon persicum) growth. The study was conducted in the Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Station in Semnan province, Iran. Irrigation in this study was performed according to the soil water suction, reaching to pressures of 1.0, 5.0, and 15.0 bars. The water consumption in each of the aforementioned suctions was to reach the field capacity of the same soil. In addition to the above treatments, rainfed treatment was also considered. Before planting the seedlings, the superabsorbent polymer was mixed with the soil of seedling pits at a weight ratio of 0.6%. The Plantbac panels were placed in the bottom of the pits at dimensions of 60×60×50 cm. Therefore, treatments consisted of superabsorbent polymer and Plantbac panels. The experiment was conducted as a split plot design based on randomized complete block, in which soil water suctions levels were considered as main plot and superabsorbent polymers as sub-plot. The results of the combined effect of both water suctions and superabsorbent polymer showed that the water consumption at these suctions was reduced by prolonging the irrigation intervals to reach higher suctions (more negative). At a soil water suction of 5.0 bars, the water consumption for each seedling was 157 liter, showing 33% decline as compared to the soil containing polymer at the same suction. However, at a suction of 15.0 bars, water consumption in the Plantback declined to 34%. Our results clearly showed that the Plantbac panels could significantly increase the Saxaul growth in different irrigation levels more than that recorded for the control and polymer treatments.