Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of using hydrogel in the planting of Eucalyptus dunnii seedlings in pots, under different water-management regimens. Seedlings of approximately 25 cm height were planted in pots filled with 4.5 L of soil. The experiment was of Completely Randomized Design, in a 2x3 factorial, with absence and presence of hydrogel related to different water-management regimens (irrigation only in planting, every 3 to 6 days). From planting until the 47th day the seedlings were evaluated for the symptoms of water stress, chlorophyll content and gas exchange. Finally, the development of the plants was evaluated using the root dry weights and shoots, as well as by determining the water retention curve. As a result, the use of the polymer yielded an increase in water retention and a delay in the symptoms of drought stress, consequently increasing chlorophyll levels. One can observe the direct effect gas exchange of this kind, where recovery of the variables analyzed 24 h after irrigation was visible. Reviews of dry biomass demonstrated that treatment with the use of hydrogel showed the best development. However, the use of hydro retainer polymer increased the quality of Eucalyptus dunnii seedlings, besides being an alternative planting method in dry periods of the year.
Highlights
A combination of several factors is necessary for the plantation of productive forests, such as site-adapted genetic materials, favorable edaphoclimatic conditions, proper use of management techniques and high-standard seedlings (Davide and Faria, 2008)
The Eucalyptus dunnii seedlings used were grown from seed, and after being properly developed for planting, with a height close to 25 cm and at least 2 mm of stump diameter, were transferred to vases containing soil classified as Aluminium Humic Cambisol
Available water retention curve By determining the soil’s water retention curve, it was found that the use of hydrogel incorporated in the soil caused a significant in the amount of water retention when compared to the same soil with the absence of the polymer, this increase was more evident at tensions below 10 kPa (Figure 1)
Summary
A combination of several factors is necessary for the plantation of productive forests, such as site-adapted genetic materials, favorable edaphoclimatic conditions, proper use of management techniques and high-standard seedlings (Davide and Faria, 2008). Among the most widely cultivated forestry species in Brazil, the genus Eucalyptus stands out, currently occupying 6.97 million hectares of planted forest area, representing 71.9% of the total (IBA, 2020). Soil and humidity conditions are dominant factors in the forest establishment, because they affect both planting and regeneration of plants (Sarvas et al, 2007). The use of hydro retainer polymers as soil humidity conditioners may be beneficial. According to Mendonça et al (2013), a “hydro retainer polymers” is a polymer that helps mainly in water retention for newly planted seedlings, increasing water availability for crops and local productivity, and minimizing production costs, contributing to the viability of planting throughout the year. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of hydrogel on Eucalyptus dunnii seedlings with different water-management regimens
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