Comparison of effectiveness of Superabsorbent polymers in growth features of Atriplex

Regarding the intense degradation of rangelands of Iran in recent decades and limited water resources in this country due to being located in arid and semiarid region, using new technics to increase the water storage capacity in soil is necessary. Hence, the aim of this research was exploring the impact of three soil conditioners including synthetic polymer, biopolymer and biopolymer with Silica Nanoparticles on growth features of plant including the percentage of seedling emergence, establishment, and height of the plant in two Atriplex species to select the best option. It was carried out in Tehran University's greenhouse in Karaj. The treatments were synthetic polymers in 0, 1, and 3 gr/lit levels, biopolymer in 0, 3, and 6 gr/lit levels, biopolymer with silica nanoparticles as 6 gr/lit of biopolymer and 3 weight percent of nanosilica, and every other day, once in four days, and once in eight days irrigation, and also two species of Atriplex. Based on the results from factorial design, independent impact of all three factors namely irrigation, material and species on growth features of plants and two species and material factors were significant. In general, the most effective superabsorbent materials in this research were synthetic polymer in 3 gr/lit level and biopolymer with nanosilica. Regarding the biodegradability of biopolymers, using biopolymers with nanosilica, AtriplexCanescence and once in four days irrigation in greenhouse condition was suggested that is an effective step to decrease the impacts of drought tensions in germination and growth of plants in arid regions and also in decreasing the irrigation costs.