Evaluation of effect of superabsorbent on saturated and unsaturated soil... conductivity and estimate index of corn yield

Advances in Environmental Biology, 7(11) Oct 2013, Pages: 3252-3258
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Advances in Environmental Biology
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Evaluation of effect of superabsorbent on saturated and unsaturated soil hydraulic
conductivity and estimate index of corn yield
1
D. khodadadi Dehkordi, 1H.A. Kashkuli, 2A. Naderi
1
2
Department of Irrigation, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khouzestan, Iran.
Department of Agronomy, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khouzestan, Iran.
A RTI C L E IN F O
Article history:
Received 15 August 2013
Received in revised form 24
October 2013
Accepted 5 October 2013
Available online 14 November 2013
Key words:
Superabsorbent,
hydraulic
unsaturated
ABSTRACT
The present paper aims to evaluation of saturated and unsaturated soil hydraulic
conductivity variation toward presence of superabsorbent in sandy soil at farm
situations. Results showed that with increase of superabsorbent ratios in soil, the
unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of farm sandy soil decreased. But, with increase
of superabsorbent ratios in soil, the saturated hydraulic conductivity of farm sandy
soil increased. Also, results showed that with increase of superabsorbent ratios in
soil, the marginal production index (MPI ) and the value of marginal production
(VMPI ) of corn yield increased.
soil
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INTRODUCTION
Given the large share of water use in the agriculture and very low efficiencies in this sector, selection and
development of new strategies to improve and optimize irrigation water use with significant savings in this
sector is essential. The usage of deficit irrigation and superabsorbent polymers are the useful strategies in this
regard. The management and usage of advanced techniques for conserving soil moisture storage, are effective
measures for increasing irrigation efficiency and improvement of limited water resources [23]. One of the
strategies for the optimal usage of water resources and preserving it, is usage of superabsorbent polymers. The
superabsorbent used in this project, entitled Super AB A 200, made by Rahab Resin, licensed under Polymer and
Petrochemical Institute of Iran . Rahab Resin company claims that Super AB A 200 polymer is able to keep its
water absorbed under pressure, but as soon as the roots need water, it can release it readily. Also its PH is
between 6 and 7, so it has not adverse effect on soil with any toxicity. These superabsorbents, after 3 to 5 years,
depending on the type and composition of the soil are destroyed by microorganisms. So they do not cause any
environmental pollution. (Rahab Resin Co.). Karimi [12] reported that using of superabsorbent could raise
capability of saturated hyrdaulic conductivity of sandy soil. Ganji-khoramdel and Keykhai [8] reprted that by
increase of applying superabsorbent in sandy soil, saturated hydraulic conductivity increased. Sivapalan [22]
reported that using of superabsorbent could raise water retention capability and fertilizer use efficiency. Moazen
Ghamsari et al [15] reported that by using of superabsorbent the growth factors of forage corn increased
significantly. Nazarli et al [17] reprted that by using of superabsorbent the growth factors of Sunflower
increased significantly. Shirdel Shahmiri and Akbari [25] reported that using of superabsorbent could raise
water retention capability of sandy soil significantly.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
1-3: Geographical location and Weather characteristics:
This study was conducted in a farm that was located at a distance of 10 km from the Ahwaz city. Gross area
of this project was approximately 1072 m2 with longitude and latitude of 48o46’15’’ eastern and 31o48’30’’
nothern respectively and its height was 11 meters above sea level. This study was carried out in the spring and
summer of 2012 year. According to the 50-year statistics, the average of annual rainfall was 213 mm, the
average of air temperature was 25 °C, the average of maximum temperature was 32.8 °C and the mean
minimum temperature was 17.6 °C.
2-3: Soil and Irrigation water characteristics:
Composite samples of 5 random points from 0-30 and 30-60 cm, depth of cultivated land, in the farm were
taken. The results are presented in Table 1.
Corresponding Author: D. Khodadadi Dehkordi, Department of Irrigation, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad
University, Khouzestan, Iran.
E-mail: [email protected]
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D. Khodadadi Dehkordi
Advances in Environmental Biology, 7(11) Oct 2013, Pages: 3252-3258
Table 1: Some physical and chemical properties of the soil before planting test
Relative frequency and size
Soil
EC
Organic
of soil particles (percent)
pH
(dS/m)
texture
carbon (%)
Clay
Silt
Sand
8
4
88
Sand
3
8.1
0.42
8
2
90
Sand
2.8
8
0.35
Soluble
phosphorus
(ppm)
10.4
14.1
Soluble
potassium
(ppm)
166
151
Depth
(cm)
0-30
30-60
Irrigation water was provided from Karkheh Noor River. Analytical results of irrigation water samples are
shown in Table 2.
Table 2: Qualitative analysis of the water
Anions (meq/lit)
So4=
ClHco3Co3=
16.2
18.1
4
0
Cations (meq/lit)
K+
Na+
0.12
20
Mg++
9
Ca++
10
pH
EC (dS/m)
7.3
2.9
3-3: Corn varieties used in the plan:
Corn variety used in this project, entitled as the SCKaroun701. This variety is a new corn variety that is
tolerant to dry stress and suitable for cultivation in subtropical regions that is introduced by Agricultural
Research Center of Safi-Abad Dezful, Kuzestan, Iran.
4-3: Experiment plan:
This plan was performed as a split plot in a randomized complete block design with 12 treatments and three
replications. Different irrigation water depths considered as the main treatment including I1, I2 and I3 equal to
100, 75 and 50 percent of needed water for the plant respectively. Different ratios of superabsorbent considered
as the secondary treatments. They were S0, S1, S2 and S3 equal to 0 (for control group), 15, 30 and 45 gr/m2
respectively. Thus, with 12 treatments and three replications, a total of 36 plots were tested.
5-3: Farming operations:
The size of each plot was 4 * 4.5 m2 including 6 lines. The superabsorbent for each line in each plot was
distributed in a depth of 30 cm from the soil surface. The corn vareity of this plan (SCKaroun1701) was planted
manually in March (2012) as spring planting and in July (2012) as summer planting. The space between
planting rows were 75 cm and the space between each plant in each line was 17 cm, so a total density of
planting was 78430 plants per hectare. Deficit irrigation treatments were started after 4 to 5 leaf stage (seedling
settlement stage).
6-3: Applying different irrigation treatments in the farm:
This method was according to usage of soil moisture index or soil metric potential. In this method, the soil
moisture percentage was measured thorough sampling of plant root (about 80 cm and from 3 plots) per each 20
cm, days before irrigation. When the weight mean of soil moisture reached the allowed depletion (according to
full irrigation treatment) the irrigation process happened. Finally, the irrigation cycle was determined based on
the non-water stress treatment. At the same time, all of the plan treatments were irrigated through fixed
irrigation cycle and different irrigation depths. For applying different water regimes and each treatment
coefficient, the following equation used [1]:
SMD = (θ fc − θ i ).Bd .Dr . f
(1)
Where SMD: soil moisture deficit (cm), θfc: field capacity moisture, θi: weight percent of available moisture
in the soil of farm, f: each treatment coefficient (0.5, 0.75 and 1), Bd: bulk density (gr/cm3) and Dr: plant root
development depth (cm). It should be noted that the deficit irrigation treatments took place in the 4 to 5 leaf
stage, after full settlement of seedlings. Because of deep underground water and porous soil texture,
groundwater contribution was also ignored. Meantime, rainfall measured by the rain gauge at the farm.
7-3: determination of water retention curve of farm sandy soil:
For determination of water retention curve of farm sandy soil, used from the composite sample of farm
sandy soil. Then, this sample was put in presssure plate apparatus and determinated moisture of soil in different
suction points. The water retention curve of farm sandy soil is showed in figure 1.
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D. Khodadadi Dehkordi
Soil matric potential (bar)
Advances in Environmental Biology, 7(11) Oct 2013, Pages: 3252-3258
15
14.5
14
13.5
13
12.5
12
11.5
11
10.5
10
9.5
9
8.5
8
7.5
7
6.5
6
5.5
5
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
4.3
5
5.8
6.4
7.3
12
30.1
Soil moisture (cm3/cm3)
Fig. 1: Water retention curve of farm sandy soil
For evaluation of effect of superabsorbent on saturated and unsaturated soil hydraulic conductivity, used
from four samples with ratios of 0, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.8 gr/kg superabsorbent toward farm sandy soil. Then, for
determination of water retention curve of these samples, they were put in presssure plate apparatus separatly and
for every samples, determinated moisture of soil in different suction points. Then, with using of RETC
(Retention Curve) and Van Genuchten-Mualem (m=1-1/n) models, achieved relationship between unsaturated
hydraulic conductivity and water content at different ratios of superabsorbent in farm sandy soil. But, with using
of Rosetta and Van Genuchten-Mualem (m=1-1/n) models, achieved relationship between saturated hydraulic
conductivity and water content at different ratios of superabsorbent in farm sandy soil.
8-3 Estimate indices of corn yield:
In this research, 2 estimate index of corn yield were evaluated. They were:
- Marginal production index toward irrigation depth (MPI):
MPI =
dy
dI
(2)
- Value of marginal production toward irrigation depth (VMPI):
VMPI = Py.MPI
(3)
Where, dy: derivative of corn water-yield production function toward yield, dI: derivative of corn wateryield production function toward irrigation depth and Py: cost of grain corn per Kg.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
1-4: Evaluation of effect of superabsorbent on unsaturated soil hydraulic conductivity by use of Van GenuchtenMualem model (m=1-1/n):
For Evaluating of effect of super AB A 200 hydrogel on unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of farm sandy
soil, used from RETC software. The results are showed in figure 2 to 5.
According to figures of 2 to 5, with increase of superabsorbent ratios from 0 to 0.8 gr/kg, the unsaturated
hydraulic conductivity of farm sandy soil decreased. Whereas in 0 superabsorbent treatment (figure 2), in water
content of 0.3, the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity is about 519 cm/day, but in 0.8 gr/kg superabsorbent
treatment (figure 5), in water content of 0.3, the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity is about 36 cm/day. This
result is according to results of Andry et al [2] and El-Shafi et al [6,7]. This result can be because of
seprabsorbent swelling in sandy soil that connects fine and coarse pores together and increase capillary porosity.
This result was confimed by Andry et al [2] and Parvanak-boroujeni and Abedi-Koupaee [19].
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D. Khodadadi Dehkordi
Advances in Environmental Biology, 7(11) Oct 2013, Pages: 3252-3258
Hydraulic Properties: K vs. Theta
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
00
01
03
02
Fig. 2: Variation of unsaturated soil hydraulic conductivity of farm sandy soil in 0 gr/kg superabsorbent
situations
Hydraulic Properties: K vs. Theta
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
00
01
02
03
Fig. 3: Variation of unsaturated soil hydraulic conductivity of farm sandy soil in 0.3 gr/kg superabsorbent
situations
Hydraulic Properties: K vs. Theta
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Fig. 4: Variation of unsaturated soil hydraulic conductivity of farm sandy soil in 0.6 gr/kg superabsorbent
situations
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D. Khodadadi Dehkordi
Advances in Environmental Biology, 7(11) Oct 2013, Pages: 3252-3258
Hydraulic Properties: K vs. Theta
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Fig. 5: Variation of unsaturated soil hydraulic conductivity of farm sandy soil in 0.8 gr/kg superabsorbent
situations
2-4: Evaluation of effect of superabsorbent on saturated soil hydraulic conductivity by use of Van GenuchtenMualem model (m=1-1/n):
For Evaluating of effect of Super AB A 200 hydrogel on saturated hydraulic conductivity of farm sandy
soil, used from Rosetta software. The results are showed in figure 6.
160
Ks (cm/day)
150
140
130
0
0.3
0.6
0.8
Different ratios of superabsorbent (gr/kg)
Fig. 6: Variation of saturated soil hydraulic conductivity of farm sandy soil in different ratios of superabsorbent
According to figures 6, with increase of superabsorbent ratios from 0 to 0.8 gr/kg, the saturated hydraulic
conductivity of farm sandy soil increased. This result can be because of decrease of soil bulk density in
company of increase of superabsorbent ratios. This result was confirmed by Parvanak-boroujeni and AbediKoupaee [19], Behbahani et al [4], Ganji-khoramdel and Keykhai [8] and Sivapalan [22].
3-4 : Evaluation of estimate indices of corn yield:
After chieving the optimum water-yield production function (quadratic function) of corn in farm situation in
this research, for eavluating of effect of deficit irrigation on corn yield, used from estimate indices of corn yield.
Marginal production index toward irrigation depth (MPI) for applied different irrigation depths and different
ratios of superabsorbent are showed in table 3.
Table 3: Marginal production index toward irrigation depth
Marginal production index (MPI)
(kg/cm/ha)
15 gr/m2
30 gr/m2
superabsorbent
superabsorbent
191.6
206.4
170.7
187.1
149.8
167.8
45 gr/m2
superabsorbent
230
204.5
179.1
Irrigation depths
(cm)
60
46.6
33.2
I1
I2
I3
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D. Khodadadi Dehkordi
Advances in Environmental Biology, 7(11) Oct 2013, Pages: 3252-3258
As showed in table 3, with applying 60 (cm) irrigation depth in company of 45 (gr/m2) superabsorbent,
achieved the most marginal production index to amount of 230 (kg/cm/ha). This means that by applying
complete irrigation (I1), with increasing of every centimeter of irrigation depth, achieved 230 (kg/ ha)
production increase. But with increase of drought stress, MPI decreased. This result was confirmed by Nadler et
al [16], Smout and Gorantiwar [24], Neilsen and Vigil [18] and Shahidi [21].
Also, with decrease of superabsorbent ratios from 45 to 15 (gr/m2), MPI was decreased. It is caused by
storage of nutrients and water by superabsorbent in light sandy soil and drought stress conditions that prevents
from the loss of water and nutrients and creates favorable conditions for corn growth and finally increases corn
yield toward consumed water.
If we assume that the cost of 1 kg of corn is 1 dollar, so, value of marginal production toward irrigation
depth (VMPI) for applied different irrigation depths and different ratios of superabsorbent are showed in table 4.
Table 4: Value of marginal production toward irrigation depth
Value of marginal production (VMPI)
($)
15 gr/m2
30 gr/m2
superabsorbent
superabsorbent
191.6
206.4
170.7
187.1
149.8
167.8
45 gr/m2
superabsorbent
230
204.5
179.1
Irrigation depths
(cm)
60
46.6
33.2
I1
I2
I3
As showed in table 4, with applying 60 (cm) irrigation depth in company of 45 (gr/m2) superabsorbent,
achieved the most value of marginal production to amount of 230$. This means that by applying complete
irrigation (I1), with increasing of every centimeter of irrigation depth, the income of achieved production
increase, is 230$. But with increase of drought stress, VMPI decreased.
Also, with decrease of superabsorbent ratios from 45 to 15 (gr/m2), VMPI was decreased. It is caused by
storage of nutrients and water by superabsorbent in light sandy soil and drought stress conditions that prevents
from the loss of water and nutrients and creates favorable conditions for corn growth and finally increases corn
yield toward consumed water and increase production index and its value.
Conclusion:
The results showed that with increase of superabsorbent ratios, the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of
farm sandy soil decreased. Its reason is because of seprabsorbent swelling in sandy soil that connects fine and
coarse pores together and increase capillary porosity. But, with increase of superabsorbent ratios, the saturated
hydraulic conductivity of farm sandy soil increased. Its reason is because of decrease of soil bulk density in
company of increase of superabsorbent ratios. Besides, with decrease of superabsorbent ratios from 45 to 15
(gr/m2), MPI and VMPI was decreased. It is caused by storage of nutrients and water by superabsorbent in light
sandy soil and drought stress conditions that increases corn yield toward consumed water and increase
production index and its value.
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