Effect of Super Absorbent Polymer with various Watering Intervals on Seedling Growth of Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq.

Author: Satyanidhi S., Manjappa, K., Koppad A.G. and Vasudeva R.

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Abstract

An experiment was conducted at College of Forestry, Sirsi to know the effect of SAP with various watering intervals on seedling growth of Swietenia mahagoni in nursery. The experiment was laid out in factorial completely randomized design with six levels of SAP (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 g per seedling) and four watering intervals (2, 4, 6 and 8 days) and replicates three times. Results showed that SAP, watering intervals and their interactions had a significant effect on growth parameters of Swietenia mahagoni in nursery. At 200 days of observation, the higher seedling height (25.7 cm), collar diameter (5.37 mm), number of leaves per plant (16.2), root dry weight (11.87 g), shoot dry weight (19.46 g) and root to shoot ratio (0.57) were recorded at 4 g of SAP per seedling which was on par with 3 g per seedling. Significantly lowest values were observed at control. For watering intervals, maximum seedling growth parameters were recorded at 2 days watering interval which were found on par with 4 and 6 days interval. Significantly lowest values were observed at 8 days interval. It clearly shows healthy seedlings of Swietenia mahagoni can be raised by application of SAP @ 3 g per seedling + 6 days watering interval. Under water scarcity situations, watering can also be applied at 8 days interval if SAP is applied at 4 g per seedling.

Keywords

Swietenia mahagoni, Super Absorbent Polymer, growth parameters

Conclusion

SAP has more water absorption capacity in the soil and slowly desorbs to the root zone of plants whenever there is lack of moisture content in soil. It can be concluded from the data that healthy seedlings of Swietenia mahagoni can be raised by application of SAP @ 3 g per seedling + 6 days watering interval. Under water scarcity situations, watering can also be applied at 8 days interval if SAP is applied at 4 g per seedling without compromising much on quality and growth of seedlings.

References

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How to cite this article

Satyanidhi S., Manjappa, K., Koppad A.G. and Vasudeva R. (2023). Effect of Super Absorbent Polymer with various Watering Intervals on Seedling Growth of Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(2): 977-980.