Improving the Activity of Sandy Soil and Reducing Salinity and Alkalinity Using an Absorbent Polymer and Its Impact on the growth of ( Zea mays)

Abstract

 Drought is a significant environmental factor that adversely affects plant growth, morphological and physiological processes, and groundwater reserves. The inclusion of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) enhances the wetting duration of the root environment with minimal water and electrical energy. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that adding the polymer to light sandy soil during planting in arid climates would enhance water use efficiency, improve the water situation in planting sites, and assess its impact on soil texture, yield, and morphological characteristics throughout different growth stages. Various concentrations ( Control , 0.1% , 0.3% , 0.5% , 0.6%, 0.7%) of the superabsorbent polymer were added to sandy soil to extend wetting periods using a randomized complete block design. Soil moisture content showed significant variation

( 30.20% ,  31.63%, 37.63%, 64.63%, 75.4%, 81.5%)

among the different polymer concentrations, leading to substantial morphological diversity throughout the growth periods. The results indicate that this new amendment is highly beneficial for sandy alkaline soils, resulting in increased final biomass, reduced plant pathogens, decreased energy costs, and conservation of water resources in extreme climates. These encouraging findings warrant further research into integrating economic, environmental, and health factors in agricultural practices.