Tips: This article is about potassium polyacrylate (super absorbent polymer for agriculture), how it works in the soil, how to use it, how to choose the right type, etc.
What is potassium polyacrylate?
Potassium polyacrylate is a potassium salt of polyacrylic acid with the chemical formula [−CH2−CH(CO2K)−]n.
As a super absorbent polymer, it can absorb plenty of water and turn into a natural gel.
Potassium polyacrylate is:
- Non-Toxic,
- Non-pollutant, and
- Harmless in every aspect.
Advantages for agriculture
As the type of super absorbent polymer (SAP) designed for agriculture, Potassium polyacrylate can improve the ability of the soil to hold water.
You can think of it as a “mini-reservoir” that can absorb water when it’s raining and release water when it’s drought.
Process details
Absorbing water
The potassium polyacrylate in the soil can absorb plenty of water quickly when it’s raining (or the soil was irrigated).
After absorption, potassium polyacrylate becomes a water hydrogel form.
Auto to release water to plants
The water hydrogel from potassium polyacrylate can lock water firmly. Its water holding capacity is as much as 1.3-1.4 Mpa which is much stronger than soil.
When plants need water, the roots can easily get water in the water hydrogel. That’s because roots’ water holding capacity is 1.6-1.7 Mpa.
Advantages
To supply water steadily, potassium polyacrylate type water-retaining agent is widely used in agriculture, forestry, gardening, landscape, etc.
It can:
- Increase the rate of survival of plants;
- Save the irrigation;
- Increase the yield of crops and fruit trees;
- Improve the soil quality (increase the capacity for holding water / loosen the soil;
- Reduce fertilizer cost.
Effects test
1. Water holding capacity test
Soil: 500ml; Water: 750ml; Hydrogel (SAP) Powder: 5 grams
Test Samples
Test Result
2. Water holding capacity test
Potassium polyacrylate can delay the wilting point by increasing the water holding capacity of soils.
Test Result
