Applications of hydrogels in the nursery and during outplanting

Hydrogels have a variety of potential uses including application to plants in the nursery and at the time of outplanting. Absorptive capacity of these gels is influenced by their chemical and physical composition as well as the ion concentration of the liquid being absorbed. The most common uses for hydrogels in nurseries or during outplanting are incorporation or root dips. Research results are mixed regarding hydrogel influences on plant water uptake and vary by product and environmental conditions. It is recommended that growers or planters conduct small trials to determine whether there are benefits to using hydrogels under their specific conditions.