Reducing of water consumption of seashore paspalum using a hydrogel composite

Abstract

In order to lower the water intake of Paspalum vaginatum Swartz while preserving its growth and quality, a trial was carried out at the Nursery of the Horticulture Research Institute in Giza, Egypt, throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons. The main factors were first, irrigation periods (every 1, 3, 5, and 7 days); second, soil mixing with hydrogel (0, 30, and 50 g/m²), and third, the interaction factors between them. Results indicated that long irrigation intervals led to a significant decrease in turf color quality, turf length, fresh and dry weight per area, and fresh and dry root weight. It also decreased cover density, chlorophyll content, and percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It significantly increased the proline content of the turf. The addition of hydrogel significantly improved vegetative and root characteristics, turf quality and increased cover density, besides plant nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content. The interaction between irrigation periods and hydrogel applications leads to a significant increase in the quality of the grass and its vegetative and root specifications, in addition to the nutritional elements. Proline levels in the grass were also reduced when hydrogel was at a rate of 30 or 50 g/m². The best results were achieved with 50 g/m², eliminating most of the negative effects on the grass when irrigated every 3 or 5 days. Generally, to reduce irrigation water consumption, stimulate coastal paspalum growth, and increase its cover density and greenness, it is recommended to mix the soil with 50 g/m² before planting.