Applications of hydrogels in the nursery and during outplanting

Thomas D. Landis; Diane L. Haase

Treesearch

Applications of hydrogels in the nursery and during outplanting

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Thomas D. Landis, Diane L. Haase

Year:

2012

Type:

Proceedings

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

In: Haase, D. L.; Pinto, J. R.; Riley, L. E., tech. coords. National Proceedings: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations - 2011. Proc. RMRS-P-68. Fort Collins, CO: USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 53-58.

Download (PDF 616 KB)

Download (PDF 616 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/42736.pdf

Abstract

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.

Parent Publication

National Proceedings: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations-2011

Keywords

polymer gels, plant moisture stress, root dips

Citation

Landis, Thomas D.; Haase, Diane L. 2012. Applications of hydrogels in the nursery and during outplanting. In: Haase, D. L.; Pinto, J. R.; Riley, L. E., tech. coords. National Proceedings: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations - 2011. Proc. RMRS-P-68. Fort Collins, CO: USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 53-58.