The Effect of Polymeric Hydrogel Application on Germination Under Saline Irrigation Water: Case Study of Barley

Abstract

In recent years, it has been tried to increase the usage areas of polymeric hydrogels, which are used to increase the water holding capacity of light textured soils in agricultural production. In this study, the effects of polymeric hydrogel on the germination of barley seeds under low quality irrigation water conditions were investigated. For this purpose, irrigation water prepared with an Electrical Conductivity (ECi) value of 0 [control], 6, 8, and 12 dS m-1 and Sodium Absorption Rate (SAR) less than 3 is placed in petri dishes in which 0.01 grams hydrogel has been added. 10 seeds of barley (Hordeum vulgare conv. distichon) variety were added to the same petri dishes. According to the results of variance analysis made with the data obtained in the study, it was determined that increasing irrigation water salinity was effective at the 5% significance level on the germination rate and seedling dry weight of barley. However, the difference between the subjects treated with hydrogel was not statistically significant. In response to the increased irrigation water ECi value, the germination rate and germination power of barley decreased. It was determined that hydrogel application did not have any effect on the germination rate and germination power of barley under increasing ECi value conditions.