The effect of superabsorbent polymer, humus and sawdust on vegetative traits and physiology of of Prosopis juliflora in desert area (Case Study: Mehran Region)

Nowadays, water scarcity and desertification are serious problems in many parts of the world, which puts the development of vegetation and the growth of agricultural products at serious risk. Therefore, proper management and application of new methods to increase irrigation efficiency and thus improve the utilization of limited water resources is an inevitable necessity. One of these methods that have been considered recently is the use of various additives such as polymer and natural. This study aimed to investigate the effect of natural and artificial superabsorbents on the performance of Prosopis Juliflora in climatic and edaphic conditions of arid areas of Ilam province, especially in Mohsenab plain of Mehran city, and it is an issue that is less addressed in this region and in general in the field of arid and semi-arid regions. In this regard, the effects of natural additives (Humus and Sawdust) and artificial superabsorbent (Nanohursan polymer) on Prosopis juliflora have been compared by comparing the average of thirtheen vegetative and physiological indexes in a completely randomized block design. The results of this study showed that the effect of superabsorbents (treatments) on all morphological and physiological traits of the studied species except for vegetative traits, stability coefficient, and specific leaf area index was statistically significant at p < /em>< 0.05. Therefore, as a general conclusion, it can be said that the majority of growth characteristics of Prosopis juliflora have improved due to the use of the studied treatments, and therefore, the addition of natural and unnatural additives in this region and similar areas is recommended.