Abstract
Hydrogels are crystals that can suck up 600 or more times their weight in water. These gels are sold as additives for soils and container media for the purpose of reducing the frequency of watering. Five different hydrogels and a control were tested on geranium and 3 different hydrogels and a control were tested on ninebark to see how long plants could be kept healthy without watering. Growth was roughly similar among the control and the different hydrogels tested with the exception of Hydrosorb™, which stunted the growth of the ninebark. After plants reached a size that was considered saleable watering was stopped and the plants were allowed to dry out. None of the hydrogels kept the plants supplied with water for any longer than the controls. Hydrosorb™ did appear to keep ninebarks at a healthy water potential for longer than the other hydrogels and the control, however, this is almost certainly because of the smaller size of the plants.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
