1. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy WELCOME SEMINAR-III ON 1

2.  Introduction  Role of HP substances on- growth and growth attributes  Role of HP substances on- yield and yield attributes  Role of HP substances on- soil moisture retention and alleviating drought stress  Role of HP substances on- Water use efficiency and irrigation intervals  Role of HP substances on- soil hydro-chemical properties  conclusion University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy SEQUENCE OF PRESENTATION 2

3. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy INTRODUCTION 3

4. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Differences in Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic substances CharactersHydrophobic SubstancesHydrophilic Substances Ion chargeNon polar in naturePolar in nature ActionHydrophobic molecules in water often cluster together forming micelles capable of hydrogen bonding, enabling it to dissolve more readily in water than in oil or other hydrophobic solvents ExamplesExamples of hydrophobic molecules include the alkanes, oils, fats, and greasy substances in general. Hydrophobic - Nonpolar covalent compounds [eg: hydrocarbons such as C6H14 (hexane)], fatty acids, cholesterol. Hydrophilic - Polar covalent compounds [eg: alcohols such as C2H5OH (ethanol) and ketones such as (CH3)2C==O (acetone)], sugars, ionic compounds (eg: KCl), amino acids, phosphate esters. 4

5. Increased water holding capacity Reduced irrigation frequency Greater water use efficiency Enhanced infiltration rates Limitations? Polymer type Rate and grind size Method of application Salinity of the soil solution Effects of specific ions, soil texture, temperature and intended use University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Advantages of Hydrophilic Substances 5

6. Type of substance Particle size Soil texture Salt concentration in water and soil solution Rate of application Method of application Biodegradation of substance Temperature University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy FACTORS AFFECTING ON PERFORMANCE OF HYDROPHILIC SUBSTANCES 6

7. The highest absorption capacity Desired rate of absorption depending on the application requirement Lowest soluble content and residual monomer The lowest price Highest durability and stability Highest biodegradability pH neutral after swelling in water Colorless, odorless and absolutely non-toxic Photo stability Re-wetting capability University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OF HYDROPHILIC SUBSTANCES 7

8. HYDROGEL  Hydrogel is a synthetic polymer, which is able to absorb and hold 80-180 times its volume of water for a long time. (Wang and Gregg, 1990).  Hydrogel acts as a reservoir to store and release a steady stream of water and nutrients which plants needs to grow. SUPERABSORBANT POLYMERS (SAP)  SAP’s are made of hydrocarbon. These materials absorb and maintain water to 10 times more than their own weight, and as the environment dries out, the water inside the polymer starts to come out and therefore the soil will remain wet without any need of re-irrigation. Combinly we can describe as  Water absorbing polymers have the ability to absorb upto 1000 times (or more) of their weight in pure water and form gels. Because of their tremendous water- absorbing and gel-forming abilities. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy TERMINOLOGIES 8

9.  Increase water holding capacity of the soil  Increased water use efficiency since water that would have otherwise leached beyond the root zone is captured.  Enhanced soil permeability and infiltration rates  Reduce irrigation frequency  Reduce fertilizer leaching  Reduce compaction tendency of the soil  Reduce soil erosion and water runoff  Reduce water stress of plants resulting in increased growth and plant performance  Cross linked PAM are also being considered as potential carrier for insecticides, fungicides and herbicides. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Importance of Hydrogels 9

10. Polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogels (Soluble, Linear)  Linear PAM dissolves in water and has been successfully used in reducing irrigation –induced erosion in agricultural fields. Cross linked PAM(Insoluble, Non-linear)  Cross linked PAM does not dissolve, but forms a gel when water is added and is often used in agriculture, landscape and nursery situations as a way of retaining moisture.  Insoluble polymers are marketed as “super absorbent gels” or “hydrating crystals”. Instead of dissolving, these gels absorb water, swell many times of their original size. As they dry, water is slowly released to the soil. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Types of Hydrogels 10

11. Gel-forming polymers are small dry crystals that absorb water similar to sponges. Contact between the polymer granule and water results in absorption until equilibrium is reached (Woodhouse & Johnson, 1991). When polymers are incorporated into a soil or soilless medium, it is presumed that they retain large quantities of water and nutrients. These stored water and nutrients are released as required by the plant. Thus, plant growth could be improved, and/or water supplies conserved. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Gel Forming Polymers 11

12. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Structure of Aquasorb Aquasorb is a copolymer of acrylamide and potassium acrylate is part of the hydrophilic polymers group. They can absorb a significant amount of water which can be released in stages to the plants according to their consumption Polyacrylamide improves the soil hydrophysics properties, leading to an increased soil resistance to water and wind erosion and an increased resistance against the destruction of soil structure due to work. It decreases soil pore diameter and also decreases water evaporation which results in increasing soil water availability. Also, there was a decrease in pH and an increase in nitrogen content of sandy soil treated with polyacrylamide (Hady et al., 2009). Polyacrylamides like Aquasorb are not harmful for the environment (Saybold, 1994). 12

13. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Application of hydrogel granules  Dry application  Wet application 13

14.  Pusa Hydrogel  Stockosarb  Luquasorb  Agrosoak  Soilmoist  Waterlock  Jalashakti  Super sluppers University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Commonly used Hydrophilic Substances 14

15.  Pusa Hydrogel, a semisynthetic crosslinked hydrophilic polymer, was developed for improving in water use efficiency of agricultural and horticultural crops under limited irrigation and rainfed conditions.  Salient features ◦ Cellulosic (a natural polymer) backbone ◦ Free of the toxic monomer (acrylamide) ◦ Exhibits absorbency at high temperatures (40-50 degree C), suitable for semi-arid and arid regions ◦ Absorbs water a minimum of 350 times of its dry weight and gradually releases it ◦ Low rate of application (1-1.5 kg / acre) ◦ Improves physical properties of soils and the soil less media ◦ Improves seed germination and the rate of seedling emergence ◦ Improves root growth and density ◦ Reduces nursery establishment period ◦ Reduces irrigation and fertigation requirements of crops ◦ Delays onset of permanent wilting point University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Pusa hydrogel

16. Pusa Hydrogel application in almost all the test crops, such as cereals, vegetables, oilseeds, flowers, spices etc. has resulted in significant improvement in the quality of agricultural produce 30-50% reduction in frequency of irrigation thus reducing drudgery in terms of labour involved in frequent irrigations, particularly, in vegetables Reduction in the dosage of fertilizers to the turn of 22-30% Improvement in soil quality No effect on environment An average return of Rs. 5000-7000/- per Rs. 1000/ investment as used hydrogel University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Benefits of pusa hydrogel

17. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Pusa Hydrogel Pusa Hydrogel is a product for increasing agricultural productivity primarily through improvement in use efficiency of water. The technology includes bench scale process for its production along with the concomitant use package under diverse agricultural situations 17

18. Soil Moist must be incorporated into the soil at the root level of the plant/green good. Do not top dress or place on the surface. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Soilmoist 18

19. 19

20. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Use of irrigation additives 20

21. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy The A200 superabsorbent material properties ColourWhite Particle Size30-100 ᵘm Moisture content3-5% Density1.4-1.5 g/cm 3 Acidity6-7 Minimum soluble particle (weight percentage) 1-2 Particle absorption of city water190-550g/g Particle absorption of distilled water220-660g/g 21

22. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy 1.Role of HP substances on growth and growth attributes 22

23. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table1: Influence of hydrophilic polymers (Luquasorb) on different crop growth parameters in tomato UAS, DharwadMeena et al., 2011 TDM (g/pl.) LAIAGRCGRNAR T1 –HP@0.5g/plant137.431.1161.713.110.0109 T2–HP@0.75g/plant138.601.1491.743.160.0111 T3–HP@1.00g/plant140.671.1811.773.220.0112 T4–HP@1.25g/plant142.901.2031.793.250.0113 T5–HP@1.50g/plant144.831.2351.813.300.0114 T6–HP@1.75g/plant147.371.2781.843.350.0115 T7–control134.631.0921.703.080.0108 mean140.921.1791.773.210.0111 S. Em0.360.0030.040.0130.0001 CD (p=0.05)1.080.0100.110.0400.0004 23

24. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 2: Mean comparison for different studied traits in millet under different superabsorbent application Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, IranKeshavarz and Hasan, 2012 ZeolitePlant Height (cm) WUE Kg DM m -3 Chlorophyll index Protein (%) RWC (%) LAI S3:300kg/ ha123.78a4.75a36.47b17.76a79.67ab11.91a S2:150kg/ ha108.05b3.95b38.28b11.34b74.72a11.36b S1:0 kg/ ha98.56c2.62c42.46a8.78c70.47b10.02c 24

25. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Fig1: The effect of different levels of irrigation with superabsorbent (S.A.P) treatment on growth and development of Myrobalan (Prunus cerasifera) seedling Oraee and Moghadam, 2013 Islamic Azad University, Iran 25 Cheryy plum

26. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Plate 1: Effect of applied stocksorb-660 on tomato canopy size University of Florida, USAGuodong Liu et al., 2013 26

27. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 3: Effect of hydrogel on forage maize growth attributes Hydrogel dose (kg/ha) Plant height (cm) Stem thickness (cm) Flag leaf length (cm) Flag leaf width (cm) 0192.1 b2.30 b62.0 b9.1 b 12.5221.6 a2.51 a72.1 a10.0 a 25214.3 a2.57 a71.1 a10.1 a Chapingo University, Mexico Yáñez-Chávez et al., 2014 27

28. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Fig 2: Effect of polymer and drought stress on agronomical traits in sunflower Urmia University, IranNazarli and Zardashti 2010 28 Irrigation intervals

29. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 4: Effect of sky gel on growth of wheat Al Anbar University, IranSaifuddin Saleem, 2012 Treatments (%) Plant height (cm) Root length (cm) Stem weight (g) Root shoot ratio (%) 0.075.172 0.0834.6326.71 4.076.082 0.2535.7426.62 8.083.252 2.2536.0926.73 12.087.332 4.5840.0128.15 L.S.D. (0.05)3.930. 61N.S0.92 29

30. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 5: Effect of superabsorbent polymer on summer corn production in drought affected areas of Northern China China Agricultural University, Beijing Robiul Islam et al., 2011 TreatmentHeight (cm) Leaf area (m 2 ) Stem diameter (cm) Number of grains/plant 1000 grain weight(g) control2080.391.76359239 Low 10kg/ha 2120.421.81398247 Medium 20kg/ha 2170.441.82415248 High 30kg/ha 2250.491.87436254 Very high 40kg/ha 2250.501.93472255 Mean2170.451.84416249 LSD (0.05)7.60.050.0945.69.5 30

31. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Fig 3:Effect of SAP application on germination rate of seeds Sichuan University, ChinaLixia Yang et al., 2014 31

32. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Fig 4: Addition of hydrogels to soil for prolonging the survival of Pinus halepensis University of Gottingen, GermanyHuttermann et al., 1999 32

33. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 6:Mean comparison for morpho-physiological trait in different super absorbent polymer treatments in pearl millet Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran Leila Keshavars et al., 2012 Super absorbent Height (cm) Dry weight WUE (g) RWCChlorophyll index Nitrogen content S3:32(g/ kg) of soil 48.50a304.91a3.04a84.93a42.53a0.050a S2:16(g /kg) of soil 40.50ab279.83b2.80b80.95b38.54b0.046ab S1:0 (g /kg) of Soil (control) 37.83b261.12c1.21c74.06b36.78c0.042b 33

34. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 7 :Effect of hydrogel on emergence count in different sowing techniques of aerobic rice University of Agriculture, Faisalabad Rehman et al., 2011 Sowing methodsNo hydrogelHydrogel (2.5 kg/ha) Mean Flat sowing145.50180.00162.75 Ridge sowing173.67186.67180.17 Bed sowing154.87190.00172.43 Mean158.01b185.56a 34

35. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy 2.Role of HP substances on yield and yield attributes 35

36. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 8: Effect of various treatments of Aquasorb on yield and yield components of tomato crop TreatmentsNo. of leaves/ plant No. of branches/ plant Per fresh weight plant (g) Per dry weight plant (g) Per fruit yield per plant (g) Control84.67e10.00NS12.40e6.14NS87.92d 0.25% Aquasorb 110.0e12.3336.51d6.59180.2d 0.50% Aquasorb 303.3b15.6735.85d7.19378.4b 0.75% Aquasorb 200.0d16.0044.64cd8.35262.2c 1.00%aquasorb243cd16.0050.0c9.95255.1c 1.25% Auasorb348.3a20.0090.96a14.95497.7a 1.50% Aquasorb 246.7c17.0080.15b12.54442.3ab LSD (0.05%)44.15NS10.82NS115.9 University of Arid Agriculture, RawalpindiHayat and Ali, 2004 36

37. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 9: Effect of super absorbent polymer on tomato’ yield Treatme nts Fruit weight (g) Plant fresh weight(g) Fruit diameter (cm) WUE (g/lit) Crop yield (kg/plant) 25 g hydrogel /plant 63.85a1536a7.06a82.77a5.9a 12.5 g hydrogel /plant 63.12a1231b5.95b66.88b4.59b Without hydrogel 53.15b9984.81c53.66c4.13c University of Tehran, IranZohre Sharokhian et al., 2013 37

38. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 10: Influence of staymoist and NPK fertilizer treatments on the mean yield of two cultivars of maize Savannah Agricultural Research Institute, Ghana Inusah Baba et al., 2013 TreatmentGrain yield (kg/ha) Stover yield (kg/ha) Total Biomass yield (kg/ha) DodziDorkeDodziDorkeDodziDorke ControlT110731180719309142241 NPK OnlyT26709251495257721653502 7.5kg/ha SM + NPK T3117613861972358431484970 15 kg/ha SM + NPK T4155018652041504435916909 22.5kg/ha SM + NPK T5173419712151533138857302 Mean104812921693369327414985 LSD (0.5)6.00230.822.74614.426.05738.53 SE3.896201.7839.363.93225.02 CV%0.41.50.20.3 0.5 38

39. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 11: Effect of inter row spacing and SAP polymer on yield and productivity of rainfed chickpea Islamic Azad University, Iran Farjam et al., 2014 TreatmentsSeed yield (kg/ha) Biological yield (kg/ha) Seed protein (%) Inter-row spacing 20 cm583.5 b6017.1 a24.1 a 25 cm609.9 b4573.6 b16.5 b 30 cm772.0 a3448.1 c17.0 b SAP levels 0 kg/ha631.0 b4899.1 a19.8 a 9 kg/ha618.4 b4613.5 a19.9 a 18 kg/ha715.4 a4526.2 a18.8 a 39

40. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Fig 5: Effect of application of SAP’s in wheat production China Agricultural University, BeijingRobiul Islam et al., 2011 Wheat production in drought affected areas of Northern China 40 (low, 10; medium, 20; high, 30 and very high, 40 kg ha-1)

41. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 12: Effect of salicylic acid (SA) and superabsorbent polymer (SAP) on seed yield and harvest index of chickpea Islamic Azad University, Iran Mahmudirad et al., 2014 SASAP @200kg/haSeed yield (kg/ha) Harvest Index 0mMNon-application621.4bc0.195ab Application675.6b0.200ab 0.05mMNon-application700.7b0.183ab Application729.1b0.163bc 0.5mMNon-application713.5b0.230a Application766.8b0.205ab 5mMNon-application463.1c0.111c Application1571.5a0.207ab 41

42. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 13: Effect of hydrophilic polymers on field performance of rabi Sorghum genotypes ARS, SirsiJoshi et al., 1996 42

43. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 14: Effect of hydrophilic polymer- Jalashakti on the growth and yield of safflower College of Agriculture, RaichurArvindkumar et al., 1996 TreatmentsPl. Ht. (cm) No. of branches /Plant No. of cap. /plant Seed wt. (g/pl) Seed yield (kg/ha) T1-seed treatment @10g/kg seeds 62.008.8023.6614.50805.00 T2-seed treatment @20g/kg seeds 62.118.5321.0014.62812.00 T3-soil application of 2.5kg/ha 61.408.4619.1014.22793.00 T4- soil application of 5.0 kg/ha 61.268.6620.6614.33795.96 T5- T1+T260.608.6634.0617.00950.00 T6- T2+T360.209.2636.1717.90990.00 T7- T1+T462.069.2637.6517.74985.33 T8- T3+T461.809.4738.2018.461020.56 T9-Control60.208.4619.3613.77790.00 S.Em0.510.340.690.299.19 CD@5%NS 2.050.8827.93 43

44. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 15: Yield and yield components in maize as influenced by plant population and hydrophilic polymers UAS, DharwadDesai et al., 1987 44

45. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 16: Effect of sky gel on yield and water use efficiency of wheat Al Anbar University, IranSaifuddin Saleem, 2012 Treatments (%) No. Grains/spi ke 1000 grains weight (g) Grain yield (t/ha) Water use efficiency(Kg grain m 3 water) 0.045.263.433.881.034 4.048.943.724.021.124 8.050.033.884.181.230 12.051.934.114.831.516 L.S.D. (0.05)3.130.610.750.21 45

46. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 17: Effect of All Purpose Spray Adjuvant-80 (APSA-80™) on grain and stover yield of cowpea Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli (MS)Nangare et al., 2010 Tr. No. TreatmentsYield (q/ha) and % increase over control (in parenthesis) Grain (q/ha) Straw(q/ha) T1Control (Irrigation at10 d intervals)10.2331.5 T2T1 + polyethylene mulch11.0 (7.6)41.2 (30.7) T3Irrigation at 20 d intervals + APSA-80 at 1 ml/L 10.2 (6.0)32.4 (3.0) T4T3 + polyethylene mulch12.5 (22)40.4 (28.3) T5Irrigation at 20 d interval+ APSA-80 at 2 ml/L15.5 (51.7)37.13(17.87) T6T5 + polyethylene mulch11.3 (10.3)39.4 (25.0) T7Irrigation at 20 d interval+ APSA-80 at 3 ml/L12.5 (22.2)35.3 (11.9) T8T7 + polyethylene mulch12.2 (19.3)38.5 (22.3) Mean12.037.0 SEm ±0.4 CD (P=0.05)1.41.2 46

47. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy 3.Role of HP substances on soil moisture retention and alleveating drought stress 47

48. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Fig 6: Superabsorbent polymer use in drought-stressed oat China Agricultural University, BeijingRobiul Islam et al., 2011 standard MediumLow standardMediumLow Medium standard SAP @ 60kg/ha Standard-300kg/ha Medium- 225 kg/ha Low- 150 kg/ha 48

49. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 18: Effect of tillage and moisture conservation practices in Chickpea IGFRI, JhansiShiva Dhar et al., 2008 49

50. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 19: Effect of hydrogel on soil moisture content (%) in different sowing techniques of aerobic rice (0-15cm) University of Agriculture, FaisalabadRehman et al., 2011 50

51. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy 4.Role of HP substances on water use efficiency and irrigation intervals 51

52. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 20:Effect of Grogel and Transorb on WUE (g/grain yield/liter accumulated water use) of barly and canola plants Agriculture and Agri-food research station, Canada Volkmar and Chang, 1995 Polymer rate *Barley Canola GrogelTransorbGrogel 00.48a0.640.41 10.39b0.650.39 40.46a0.670.40 160.45a0.580.42 640.50a0.560.41 NS * Given as a factor by which recommended rate was multiplied 52

53. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 21: Effect of irrigation interval and superabsorbent polymers on some traits of Cynodon dactylan L. Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Abbas Khalili Darini et al., 2015 TreatmentLawn Height Root dry weight Leaf dry weight Chlorophyll -a Chlorophyll- b Irrigation 1-day interval13.41a0.12a1.39a0.29a0.23a 2-day interval12.36b0.12a1.39a0.24b0.21b 3-day interval11.11c0.10b1.23b0.22c0.20c 5-day interval10.46d0.09c1.17b0.19d0.15d SAP 0 g m -2 11.11d0.09d1.15d0.21d0.18c 15 g m -2 11.52c0.10c1.25c0.23c0.19b 30 g m -2 12.04b0.11b1.34b0.25b0.19b 40 g m -2 12.67a0.12a1.44a0..26a0.22a 53

54. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 22: Interaction effect of irrigation interval and superabsorbent polymers on some traits of Cynodon dactylan L. Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Abbas Khalili Darini et al., 2015 TreatmentLawn heightVisual qualityLawn uniformityLeaf dry weight I1S1 (1+0) 8.85c 7.75c8.00b1.20c I1S2 (1+15)9.25b8.00bc8.00b1.30bc I1S3(1+30)9.59a8.50ab 1.42b I1S4 (1+40)9.83a9.00a 1.62a I2S1 (2+0)8.08e6.50d8.00b1.22c I2S2 (2+15)8.34d6.25d8.25b1.30bc I2S3 (2+30)8.99b6.75d8.25b1.42b I2S4 (2+40)9.80a5.50e8.25b1.60a I3S1 (3+0)7.31g4.75f7.25c1.15cd I3S2(3+15)7.59f4.75f6.50d1.22c I3S3 (3+30)7.78f4.75f6.25d1.25c I3S4 (3+40)8.41d4.00g6.00d1.30bc I4S1 (4+0)6.86h1.75i2.25f1.02d I4S2 (4+15)7.04h2.50h3.00e1.017c I4S3 (4+30)7.32g2.50h3.25e1.25c I4S4 (4+40)8.08e2.75h3.50e1.25c 54

55. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Fig 9: Effect of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) on total yield of sweet pepper under different irrigation regimes ILAM University, IranMohammad Sayyari and Fardin Ghanbhari,2012 55

56. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Fig 10: Effect of water stress and polymer (A200) on WUE and yield of sunflower under greenhouse condition Urmia University, IranHussein Nazarli et al., 2012 56 Irrigation regime at FC

57. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 23: Effects of rates of polymer and irrigation intervals on seed yield of soybean (kg/ha) Tehran University, IranYazdani et al., 2007 Irrigation intervals (days)Rates of polymer (kg/ha) 075150225Mean value 031773472498264175201 840334542477850794608 1039504424448249904461 Irrigation mean4172461347485495 57

58. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 24: Amount of water used, shoot and root biomass produced and calculated water use efficiency of Agrostis stolonifera grass in sand soil amended with hydrogel National forest resources research institute, UgandaAgaba et al., 2011 TreatmentsWater used in 69 days (L) Shoot and root biomass (g) Water Use efficiency (g/L) Control2437.81.56 0.2% hydrogel1849.52.75 0.4% hydrogel8.4125.713.7 58

59. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Fig 11:Evaluation of hydrogel application rates on water retention characters Isfahan University of Technology, IranKoupai et al., 2011 59 Water retention charcteristic curve due to PR3005A (Fig 1) and Tarawat A100 (Fig2) hydrogel in sandy loam soil

60. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy 5. Role of HP substances on soil hydro-chemical properties 5. Role of HP substances on soil hydro-chemical properties 60

61. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Fig 12: Effects of different rates of super absorbent polymers and manure on corn nutrient uptake Chamran University, Iran Seyed Hashem et al., 2010 61

62. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 25: Mean values of different treatment of Pumice on production attributes of maize Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran Ashraf Malekian et al., 2012 TreatmentsHeight (cm) LAI1000 Seed weight (g) Yield (t/ha) Control1.62c3.06c230.25c3.80c 0.10% pumice (1.2g/kg) 1.69bc3.24bc234.62c3.83c 0.20% pumice (2.4g/kg) 1.78b3.57b244.0b3.95b 0.30% pumice (3.6g/kg) 2.10a5.09a254.25a4.11a LSD0.13620.39175.40180.08 62

63. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Fig 13: Water retention characteristic curves in sandy loam and clay soil due to application of Superab A200 Koupai et al., 2008Isfahan University of Technology, Iran 63

64. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 26:Effect of compost and acyrlamide hydrogel on some chemical properties of the soil National Research Center, Cairo, EgyptHaddy and Sadera, 2006 Tr.Rate /plantOM % CECTotal N PK Compost (kg) Gel (g) C mol/kg (μg/g)g/kg soil g/kg soil 1untreated--0.114.846226.4201.6 2compost1-0.457.1558861.3415.1 3compost2-0.919.1589675.6596.2 4Hydrogel-20.408.7541656.2288.4 5Hydrogel-40.5110.1854172.4316.2 6Compost+hydrogel110.528.1052467.3451.1 7Compost+hydrogel120.589.6359771.7466.3 8Compost+hydrogel210.9513.0990679.2610.9 9Compost+hydrogel220.9914.1697484.1672.3 64

65. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Table 27: Effect of compost and acyrlamide hydrogel on some biological properties of the soil National Research Center, Cairo, EgyptHaddy and Sadera, 2006 Tr.Rate /plantBAzPSBFungiAc Compost (kg) Gel (g) 10 6 10 4 1untreated--150 20.1 15.319.318.2 2compost1-480 28.4 40.128.128.3 3compost2-510 32.1 48.430.229.1 4Hydrogel-2320 25.1 29.122.121.1 5Hydrogel-4360 27.3 30.425.228.2 6Compost+hydrogel11590 35.4 45.231.232.2 7Compost+hydrogel12610 39.2 48.632.533.4 8Compost+hydrogel21750 42.4 55.139.440.2 9Compost+hydrogel22905 49.1 60.442.245.3 B-total bacterial count, Az- Azotobacter, Ac- Actinomycetes 65

66. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Fig 14: Effects of hydrogel amendment on water storage of sandy loam and loam soils Akhter et al., 2004 Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology, Faisalabad, Pakistan SANDY LOAM SOIL LOAM SOIL 66

67. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Akhter et al., 2004 Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology, Faisalabad, Pakistan 67 Absorption of Distiiled water, tap water, saline water by gel during 1 st,2 nd and 3 rd wetting and drying cycle

68. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Fig 15: The hydraulic properties of a sandy soil treated with gel- forming soil conditioner Alderby, 1996 King Saudi University, Saudi Arabia 68

69. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Fig:16: Water availability in different soils in relation to hydrogel application Narjary et al., 2012 IARI, New Delhi 69

70. There is a need to assess the effect of application of polymers on fertilizer efficiency along with water use efficiency in various crops under variety of soil conditions and different nutrient management systems. The effect of different methods of application of polymers such as seed treatment, soil application (Broad casting, dibbling, deep placement, row application, wet patch application, etc), root dipping needs to be evaluated on establishment of crops and their growth in dryland areas which is very critical for farmers livelihood. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy Future Strategy 70

71. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy conclusion conclusion 71

72. University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agronomy THANK YOU Acknowledgement: I extend my sincere thanks to all who helped to prepare this seminar 72