Effects of hydrogel application on growth of seedlings on unproductive forest areas

The study focused on the influence of hydrogel on seedlings. Hydrogel is a good absorbent of macromolecule compound that can effectively bind water. The possibility of hydrogel to retain water is very important in the case of poor soils, especially when seedlings are growing in unfavorable drought conditions. From a theoretical point of view, hydrogel and its positive influence on survival and growth of seedlings is proved, but the question arises how it may affect, for instance, soil water increasing potential, reduction of mycorrhizas or pollution absorption. The investigation was conducted on areas difficult for afforesta-tion, such as agricultural, after-military, post-industrial and post-drainage peat-bogs. The influence of hydrogel on soil moisture, pF curve, water consumption by seedlings was also observed under laboratory conditions and in greenhouse. Main objectives of the present study include detection of effects of hydrogel application on survival and growth processes of pine (Pinus sylvestris) seedlings