The Effect of Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Applications on Growth in Anatolian Sweetgum Tree (Liquidambar orientalis Mill.) and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) Species

Abstract

Climate change caused by global warming and the increase in consumption due to rapid population growth are threatened its existence by causes decrease of water from natural resources. Since most of the usable water in the World is evaluated in agriculture, the water needs of plants need to be met in the most accurate and economical way. In this context, super absorbent polymer (SAP) application is one of the methods that provide efficient and economical usage of water. In this research, different doses of super absorbent polymer SAP A200 [0% (control), 0.2%, 0.4% ve 0.6% v/v] applications were applied in conventional (soil) and growth media conditions [peat, perlite and peat:perlite (1:1) v/v]. It was aimed to determine the effects of SAP A200 doses on plant growth of Anatolian Sweetgum Tree (Liquidambar orientalis Mill.) and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) species. The study was established with randomized plot design with 3 replications. In order to determine plant growth characteristics, plant height, stem diameter, root length, root thickness, fresh and dry weight values of roots and shoots were determined. For the two species used in the study, it was observed that all SAP doses had positive effects on plant growth parameters and the best results were obtained in 0.6 % SAP A200 application. It was determined that plant growth values were higher in all growth medias except soil and the best results were obtained in peat: perlite media.