Ammonium and Nitrate Retention by a Hydrophilic Gel

Studies were conducted to determine if ammonium or nitrate were retained by a starch-polyacrylamide hydrophilic gel. Silicia sand was amended with 0, 2, 3, and 4 kg/m 3 hydrophilic gel. Ammonium nitrate solution was applied to dry and distilled water-saturated amended sand in pots. The amended medium was washed with distilled water, leachate was collected, and ammonium and nitrate contents were determined. More ammonium was retained by all concentrations of hydrophilic gel-amended sand than in sand alone, especially in media not saturated prior to application. Nitrate was not retained in large amounts by any medium.