Effect of hydrogel as a water retainer in the establishment of a Pinus oocarpa plantation during 6 months in sector I of the university forest of UNACIFOR, Honduras

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of hydrogel as a water retainer in the establishment of a Pinus oocarpa plantation during 6 months in sector I of the university forest of UNACIFOR, Honduras. The methodology consisted of conducting five trials with different doses of hydrogel (0, 2.5, 4 and 7 grams), in addition to including a control without hydrogel. Hydrogel trials were carried out during the summer season, while the control was established in winter. To evaluate treatment effects, plant growth and mortality were compared between the different hydrogel doses and the control. The results showed that the dose of 2.5 grams of hydrogel presented the lowest mortality rate, although no significant differences in growth were observed between treatments. It is concluded that the dose of 2.5 grams of hydrogel is the most beneficial in reducing plant mortality under the conditions studied. However, it is recommended to continue investigating with other doses and field conditions to optimize both survival and growth of seedlings, since the response to hydrogel may vary depending on various environmental and management factors.