Evaluation of the application of superabsorbent polymers in green space of arid and semi-arid regions with emphasis on Iran

Regarding the considerable amount of Iran's areas occupied by arid and semi-arid climates, establishment, maintenance and expansion of green space have faced severe water resources limitations. Since 30 years back, a program entitled Xeriscaping has been established due to water efficient consuming in green space of arid and semi-arid regions. The second principle of this program refers to soil physical amendment. One of the soil amendment materials is super absorbent polymer. First applications of these materials in agriculture worldwide go back to 1960's. In Iran, however, usage of these materials, in agriculture and particularly green spaces, is a new phenomenon. Knowing and surveying the aspects of its applications in environment is the first step to develop. This paper briefly mentions the previous studies in this field, and then its usage rate, effects on physical characteristics of soil, and plant species' (flowers and ground cover plants, turf grasses, trees and shrubs) reaction and amount of irrigation reduction will be discussed. Eventually, according to results, the most suitable amount for using in green space of arid and semi-arid regions of Iran would be 4 to 6 g per 1 Kg of soil.<p></p>