Growth Responses of Maize Plants Cultivated in Sandy Soil Amended by Different Superabsorbant Hydrogels

The growth responses of maize plants cultivated in sandy soil amended with five different superabsorbent hydrogels were studied. Soil amended by superabsorbent hydrogels could enhance growth of maize and the level of enhancement was concomitant with the rate of the added hydrogel. Morphologically, plants grown in soil with the highest concentration of hydrogel (0.4%) were healthier and taller, and root lengths were longer. Fresh and dry weights were increased. Addition of hydrogel could improve water availability in the soil, so that water contents were higher in plants grown in the amended soil compared with those of control. Although maize growth was enhanced by the addition of any hydrogel, plants showed different responses to different hydrogels. The used hydrogels were beneficial in newly reclaimed deserts that suffered from drought stress conditions.