Authors:
R.G.A.S. Rajapaksha
, M.P.T. Premarathna
, K. J. P. K. Kahawatta
, E.R.S.P. Edirimanna
, A.
K. Rathnayake
, K.R.C. De Silva
and Shyamalee Kohombange |
Abstract:
Super Water Absorbant (SWA) absorbs water and a release to the cultivation as far as the soil is
de-watered and increased plant performances. SWA compounds were screened based on water
absorption capacity and 320g water absorption per 1g of SWA was selected for this study.
Objective of this experiment was to identify the effect of SWA on plant growth and yield of bell
pepper and tomato in poly tunnels. Bell pepper and tomato plants were established in pots and
standard crop management practices were done throughout the study. The experiment was laid
out in a Completely Randomize Design with four treatments calculated according to the water
holding capacity after incorporation of SWA into the potting media and randomized in four
replicates. The amounts of water requirement of different treatments were calculated according
to the water holding capacity after incorporation of SWA into the potting media. Bell pepper
yield data reviled that T3 i.e. 4g SWA /1Kg potting medium was the effective SWA level and it
saved 50% water amount with compare to the normal watering pattern. On the other hand,
tomato yield data reviled that T2 i.e. 2g SWA /1Kg potting medium was the effective SWA level
and it saved 40% water amount with compare to the normal watering pattern. However, Plant
nutrient data of bell pepper and tomato showed there was not a significant difference among
different treatments tested.
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