Effect of super absorbent polymer on the water use efficiency of tomato in saline soils as affected by drought conditions

Global food demand of ever increasing population requires almost double the food production in the near future posing a great threat to our limited natural resources, such as soil and water, from the overutilization and upbringing of vulnerable lands into cultivation while the changing climate exacerbates these problems. While soil salinity may directly affect the production, the water stress in arid and semi-arid areas make the agri-food production system more vulnerable. Adding soil conditioners such as superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) showed promise to hold more water in soil and make available to growing plants. This laboratory and greenhouse experiment will investigate the right concentration of SAP and its efficiency in modifying soil condition as well as the growth, development and production of tomato in variable saline soils affected by droughts. The expected output will provide recommendations to agri-food sectors on the usability of SAPs in saline soils affected by changing climate.

Faculty Supervisor:

Asim Biswas

Student:

Paul Hrycyk

Partner:

Discipline:

Environmental sciences

Sector:

University:

McGill University

Program:

Globalink Research Award