Rainfed Wheat Productivity: Assessing the Efficacy of Hydrogel Intervention for Improved Soil Moisture Conservation
Keywords:
Soil amendment, water holding capacity, rainfed area, water use efficiencyAbstract
Soil moisture scarcity is a major constraint to achieving potential soil productivity in arid and semi-arid regions. Hydrogel application has shown promise in addressing this issue, but its benefits for crop improvement and soil moisture retention require further exploration. This study evaluated the impact of hydrogel on soil moisture retention, soil characteristics, and wheat yield in a rainfed agricultural system in Jand, Attock. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) experiment with four replications was conducted from 2018 to 2021, comprising three treatments: control (no hydrogel), hydrogel application via seed drill, and hydrogel application via broadcast. Results revealed significant enhancements in relative soil moisture contents (up to 33.25%) and wheat yield (3960 kg ha-1) with hydrogel application. Increase in nutrient availability (2.57 to 3.43 mg kg-1 of P2O5, 51.26 to 76 K2O) and soil organic matter contents (0.62 to 0.77) were also observed. This study demonstrated the potential of hydrogel as a strategy to improve crop productivity in rainfed regions.
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