The use of hydrogel for plants is considered a novelty in floriculture. This material helps improve the development of crops and performs decorative functions. In essence, the substance is round-shaped granules that are capable of absorbing large amounts of liquid. It evaporates over time or saturates the root system of plants. In order for the use of hydrogel to produce noticeable results, it is important to take into account a number of features.
What is a hydrogel and what is it for?
The chemical formula allows us to classify this substance as a polymer that can retain a lot of moisture and useful solutions. Due to its high absorbency capabilities, 1 gram of dry powder can absorb 200-300 grams of water.
To start the hydrogel to work, it needs to be added to the soil in the area of the roots of the crop. It is usually used in a swollen state, but sometimes it is also added dry. In the second case, you need to immediately water the hydrosoil thoroughly immediately after use.
After 2-3 weeks, the roots of the culture will grow through the hydrogel capsules and begin to absorb moisture from them. In this case, the plant will not have to wait for the next watering. The soil may dry out completely between waterings. However, this will not stress the roots. Essentially, the hydrogel is used instead of water between waterings. Its excellent holding properties prevent crops from drying out during periods of lack of moisture.
It is permissible to saturate granules not only with water, but also with nutrient solutions. Thanks to this use of fertilizers, plants can be gradually saturated with useful elements.
Because hydrogel can absorb moisture, it helps prevent flowers from flooding. All excess water that flows out through the drainage holes is absorbed by the hydrogel. As needed, the roots absorb liquid from the granules.
Types of hydrogel
Today there are 2 main types of hydrogel on sale, which differ in components, density and appearance. In addition, they have various fields of application.
During the absorption of moisture, the hydrogel can increase in volume by 10-15 times. Due to this, it retains a lot of moisture. So, 10 grams of granules absorb up to 2 liters of water. As needed, the substance releases liquid to plants. They do not rot from excessive moisture, since excess water is absorbed by the polymer.
Another type of material is considered to be aqua soil. This hydrogel has a denser composition and is available in the form of multi-colored granules. They differ in shape. Thus, there are cubic and spherical elements.
Since the polymer has a denser structure, it absorbs moisture much worse. Such crystals are usually used as a temporary substrate or for decoration when planting indoor plants.
This hydrogel can be used many times; to do this, it needs to be thoroughly dried. Although after 1.5 years the decorative characteristics of the polymer deteriorate, the ability to absorb and retain moisture remains. Therefore, after the end of the operation period - after about 5 years - the substance is mixed with the soil. Thus, it can perform its functions for several more years.
The polymer has no toxic properties and can maintain its characteristics in the soil at different temperatures. In addition, the substance is made from environmentally friendly materials, and therefore does not harm crops.
Benefits and disadvantages
Hydrogel is usually used by gardeners, landscape designers and gardeners. This substance helps achieve a number of beneficial effects:
- protect the roots of seedlings during transplantation and transportation;
- improve the adaptation of crops to new conditions, increase their resistance to moisture deficiency;
- simplify the watering process;
- ensure uniform absorption of moisture by the plant;
- increase the buffer capacity of the soil;
- improve drainage, aeration and soil structure;
- reduce the ripening time of the crop.
At the same time, granular hydrogel also has a number of disadvantages:
- does not allow germinating seeds that have a hard, leathery shell - these primarily include representatives of the Legume family;
- there is a risk of mold growth due to prolonged exposure to sunlight;
- It is permissible to grow a culture in pure hydrogel for a maximum of 2 years, and then it needs to be replaced.
How to use it?
The use of this type of material has a number of features. They are definitely worth taking into account to get excellent results.
Germination of seeds
To begin, the granules of the soaked hydrogel need to be crushed until smooth, and then placed in a transparent container. In this case, the layer thickness should be 3 centimeters. The seeds need to be lightly pressed into the gel and the container covered with film. It needs to be opened every day to get rid of condensation.
When using hydrogel, it is important to ensure that the granules do not spill onto the floor or garden paths. This coating is very slippery, and therefore there is a high risk of injury.
For seedlings
The use of the substance for seedlings has many features. To begin with, it is recommended to mix the product with soil in a ratio of 1:4. Then pour the composition into the container for seedlings. At the same time, you should not add 0.5-1 centimeter to the top. Then you need to plant the seeds for seedlings and water them with water.
It is also permissible to plant seeds directly into the finished hydrogel.But in this case, at the stage of appearance of cotyledon leaves, it is necessary to move the seedlings into the soil substrate. In this case, the procedure must be carried out very carefully, without clearing the roots of the granules.
Upon landing
Before planting flowers and other plants in the beds, you need to dip the roots of the seedlings into the hydrogel mass. This will help improve the adaptation of plants to new conditions. Hydrogel can also be added to the soil when planting bushes or planting seeds in open soil or in a greenhouse.
As a fertilizer
The instructions say that the hydrogel itself is not used as a fertilizer. However, this substance is able to retain useful elements and prevent them from being washed out. Therefore, the use of such material can be combined with the application of fertilizing.
Precautions when working with the substance
To prevent the product from causing harm, it is important to adhere to certain rules. It is strictly forbidden to add dry granules to a container with growing flowers. If necessary, they need to be soaked first. Otherwise, there is a risk of damage to the roots.
In addition, containers with polymer should not be kept in the open sun. This may lead to mold growth.
Hydrogel substitutes
The following can be used to retain moisture:
- coconut flakes;
- perlite;
- vermiculite
Hydrogel is considered a popular material that is often used to care for plants. To achieve noticeable results, you must strictly follow the instructions.
