Evaluation of irrigation levels and application of superabsorbent polymers on ecophysiological characteristics of rangeland plant Capper (Capparis spinosa L.)

To evaluate the effects of using various levels of superabsorbent and irrigation regimes on yields of Capparis spinosa plant an experiment was performed based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in the Research Field of Emamzadeh Jaafar Gachsaran in 2015. The main factor consisted of three irrigation regimes (once in a month, once every two months, and no irrigation) and a sub-factor at four levels of superabsorbent by Tarawat A200 applications (no superabsorbent, 75, 150, and 225 g/plant). Results revealed that the highest number of branches, collar diameter, height, and chlorophyll belonged to the plants irrigated every two months with 150 g superabsorbent and the highest value of carotenoids was observed in control plants. The highest plant survival rate was observed in 225 g/plant superabsorbent treatment alone. Irrigation levels had positive effects on the morphological characteristics of the plant so that the irrigation level of once every two months had more yield than the other levels. Findings suggest that the application of superabsorbent material in dry land condition could increase the yield by mitigating the effects of the drought stress.