Use of Hydrophylic Polymers in Horticulture

Abstract

Hydrophylic polymers are synthetic, water-absorbing monomers of high molecular weight. They have been used as absorbents in the diaper industry for the past 30 years. Polymers differ from each other in the specific monomer building block, amount of water absorbed per gram of material, particle size and distribution, response to salinity, and cost. While there are only four different monomers used in the production of polymers, there are several dozen polymers available commercially under different trade names. Benefits derived from polymer application to soil or artificial medium include: increase in water-holding capacity, increase in pore size/number, increase in soil nutrient reserves, and reduction in soil compaction. Initial use of polymers was reported in greenhouse production in the late 1970s, but is now used in the production of fruits, vegetables, and turf. Development of application equipment has the potential to expand the use of polymers to large commercial growers.