Biotech Studies 1998, Vol 7, Num, 2     (Pages: 001-009)

EFFECT OF A COMMERCIAL HYDROPHYLE POLYMER (TERAWET) ON SOIL WATER ACCUMULATION AND YIELDS OF LENTIL AND WHEAT IN CENTRAL ANATOLIAN CONDITION

Muzaffer AVCI ,Kader MEYVECİ

1 Tarla Bitkileri Merkez Araştırma Enstitüsü, P.K. 226 06042 Ulus/Ankara - A soil conditioner which is a hydrophylic and potassium based poliacylate/poliacrylamide co-polymer was tested under field condititons in winter lentil/wheat and fallow/winter wheat dryland crop rotations for water accumulation and crop yields. Polymer was applied to interrows of winter lentil plots and broadcasted to fallow plots at the rates of 0, 30, 130, 230 and 330 kg/ha and mixed into soil by hand hoes. Soil moisture was determined in different stages of experimentation. Results showed that there was not any statistically signifıcant difference among the rates of conditioner in terms of soil profile total moisture and crop seed yields although some increases were observed with rate of 130 kg/ha polymer application. On the other hand, statistically more moisture with 130 kg/ha was obtained in the 30-90 cm layer in both of the cropping seauences. This implied that this rate increased soil infiltration resulting in more moisture in deeper zones of the soil. Keywords :