Effect of superabsorbent polymer on grain yield and some physiological characteristics of spring maize (Zea mays L.) under water deficit tension conditions

In order to investigate the effect of superabsorbent polymer on yield and some physiological characteristics of spring maize under water deficit tension, this experiment was conducted as split plots in a randomized complete blocks design with three replications in a field located in Hamidieh. Experiment treatments included irrigation intervals (60, 90 and 120 millimeter evaporation from evaporation pan class A) in the main plots and different amounts of superabsorbent (zero, 75 and 150 kilogram per hectare) in subplots. The results showed that the effect of irrigation intervals and superabsorbent was significant on grain yield, yield components, chlorophyll index and relative content of leaf moisture. The highest grain yield and yield components and chlorophyll index was obtained from treatment of 60 millimeter evaporation and 150 kilogram per hectare of superabsorbent. The highest grain yield by an average of 606 gram per square meter was obtained from treatment of 60 millimeter evaporation. Drought tension caused a significant decrease in chlorophyll index and leaf relative water content. In general, the consumption of 75 kilogram per hectare superabsorbent under mild tension conditions resulted in compensation for damage caused by tension.