Impact of Super Absorbent Polymer and Polyacrylamide on Water Holding Capacity on Ultisol, Lampung

Abstract

Various methods of soil and water conservation in humid tropic have been carried out, one of which is by using chemicals to increase the stability of soil aggregates and water holding capacity. This experiment aims to use Polyacrylamide (PAM) and Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) as materials to improve soil stability. The experiment was carried out in the Laboratory and Greenhouse R&D Dept. PT Great Giant Pineapple (PT GGP), Lampung. The treatment in laboratory experiments is by mixing the material into water in a ratio (g): water (ml), namely: 1 gram of material is dissolved in 100 ml of water or in a ratio of 1:100, then the next treatment is 1 gram of material in 200 ml or a ratio of 1:200, up to a ratio of 1:300 and 1:400. While the experiment in the Greenhouse is by mixing the SAP/PAM material into 100 grams of soil with a dose of 0 g (K), 4 g SAP (A) , 8.5 g (B) and 10 g (C). After the soil is mixed with the SAP material according to the dose, take 15 g and place it in a pot containing 1 kg of soil. Maintain the soil in field capacity. Based on the results of the study showed that SAP was a polymer that was able to increase the availability of water in the ultisol and sandy soils used in the experiment and was able to increase the water content of 18% compared to control (no treatment). PAM where this material is a polymer whose function is more dominant as an adhesive for aggregates instead of a water binder. Both of these materials can function as chemicals that can be used for chemical soil conservation.