Effect of superabsorbent polymer on soil and plants on steep surfaces

In this study, a superabsorbent polymer (SAP; Super‐AB‐A‐200) was used for the amendment of the water‐holding capacity of soil on a steep surface. Three concentrations of SAP [0.20, 0.40 and 0.60% (w w−1)] and a control (0%) were blended with sandy soil. This study aimed to evaluate the evaporation rate, water retention capacity and saturated water content of polymer‐treated soils for determining plant survival and seed germination rate through cylinder and steep surface experiments. The results demonstrated that sandy soil treated with SAP showed significantly enhanced soil water holding compared with the controls. Furthermore, the seed germination rate was significantly higher in polymer‐treated soils than in the controls. The survival times of grass and ligneous plants were lengthened under water stress conditions. Finally, treatment with 0.40% SAP was the optimum selection for sandy soil amendment on steep surfaces.