Effect of Polymeric Soil Conditioners on Seeds Germination

摘要

Polymers used as soil conditioners to enhance the adhesive for protection against erosion of soil are important topics in environmental study. Previous studies showed that the polymer soil conditioners can stabilize the aggregates of soils, increase the infiltration and reduce the runoff and erosion of soil. However the inhibition of seeds germination by the polymers was seldom discussed. In this study the effects of polymers on the germination of Bahia grass seeds are experimental observed. Polyvinyl alcohol and acrylic polymer are used in the experiments. Experimental results showed acrylic polymer, the most often used soil conditioner, would evidently inhibit the plant germination. However with the addition of polyvinyl alcohol to acrylic polymer will increase the germination of the seeds. The percentage germination and germination energy are discussed in this study.