Use of Super Absorbent Polymers with Euonymus Plants (Euonymus japonicus 'Aureomarginatus') in Ornamental Plant Cultivation

摘要

In this study, the usability of super absorbent polymers (SAP) and its effects on water consumption, irrigation and labor costs and plant growth in ornamental plant cultivation were investigated by using Euonymus japonicus 'Aureomarginalus,' peat, river sand, and Wesoorb branded SAP. For a period of 152 days, the growth of the control groups without SAP and experimental groups with SAP was monitored, and the obtained results were compared. It was determined that SAP balanced the moisture of the medium with a controlled release and decreased the water stress in the plant and differentiated the root structure. The use of SAP in Euonymus japonicus 'Aureomarginatus' cultivation reduced water use by 45% on average and labor costs by 48% on average. It was observed that SAP can be used in ornamental plant cultivation and will decrease production costs.