Comparative effects of synthetic and natural hydrogels enriched with fertilizer on poppy yield and soil health in drought-prone conditions.

ABSTRACT: The negative effects of agricultural drought are particularly pronounced in spring crops, which are generally less tolerant to dry periods. One such crop frequently affected by drought is poppy (Papaver somniferum L.). Hydrogels enriched with fertilizer represent a promising technology to enhance water availability for plants and improve nutrient uptake from applied fertilizers. The aim of this research was to compare the effects of standard fertilizer (NPKS), a natural-based (NHA) hydrogel, a synthetic hydrogel (SAP), and both hydrogels enriched with fertilizer (NHA-NPKS and SAP-NPKS) on culinary poppy yield, the agronomic efficiency of N fertilization (AE_N) and soil microbial activity. Each treatment was applied in two dosages (I and II). Results from a three-year field experi

SUBMITTER: Kriska T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12748965 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature