Effect of Superabsorbent Polymer on Yield, Yield components and Water Use Efficiency of Lettuce

Water deficiency or drought is among the most important factors in reducing crop production (Heidari, et al., 2013). Water deficiency or water stress occurs when transpiration is more than water absorption (Alizadeh, 2008). One of the methods that researchers have been studying to increase water use efficiency and performance over the last decade is the use of superabsorbent polymers and deficit irrigation (Khyrabadi, et al., 2014). The superabsorbent polymer is a kind of hydrocarbon, which absorbs water several times as much as its own weight. Due to the drying of the root environment, the water inside these polymers is gradually evacuated and placed at the disposal of the plan, thus the soil will remain moist for a long time without the need for re-irrigation (Abedi Kupai, And Sohrsb, 2005). Considering that the most important advantage of superabsorbent application is reducing the effect of drought stress, this study investigated the effect of deficit irrigation and different levels of superabsorbent on yield, yield components and water use efficiency of lettuce.