Influence of Hydrogel Composites Soil Conditioner on Navel Orange Growth and Productivity

Abstract

This investigation was carried out at a private orchard, in Nubaria district, Behera Governorate, on “Washington Navel orange” trees [Citrus sinensis L.(Osbeck)] during the grown seasons of 2016 and 2017. The experimental site represents newly reclaimed sandy soil irrigated through drip irrigation system. This work aims to study the impact of hydrogel composite as substance holding water in the soil on improvement total yield, and fruit characters of W Navel orange tree. The treatments were applied as soil application at zero, 500, 1000 and 1500 g hydrogel composite/tree. The obtained results cleared that medium or high dose of hydrogel composite (1000 or 1500g/tree) enhanced the most studied parameters, it increased total yield, fruit weight, and enhancement fruit quality, different treatments of hydrogel composite increased fruit content of total soluble solids and total sugars. However, 1500g/tree treatment was the best treatment and recorded highest total yield. This may be due to the vital role of hydrogel composite in increasing water availability and nutrients for the tree for a longtime as well as increasing the fruit retained. Moreover, with respect to tree growth, it was found that there was a significant increase in the vegetative growth parameters (shoot length, leaf area, and tree canopy) in all the treatments where hydrogel composite used as compared to untreated tree.