Response of root growth and distribution of maize plants to foliar-sprayed antitranspirant and soil-amended hydrogel polymer

Root growth and development of maize (Zea mays L.) is an important process in determining grain yield. The effects combined fulvic acid (FA, potassium humate as FA source) super absorbent polymer (SAP) uses on root yield were studied. A 2×3 factorial field experiment was applied by combining two SAP doses (0, 45 kg ha-1) three rates 1, 2 g L-1) over yr. Super to upper 20 cm soil layer at sowing, solutions (1 or L-1, corresponding FA1 FA2) sprayed onto the canopy times during growing season. parameters, including biomass, length density (RLD), surface-area (RSD), diameter, determined top 40 layer. Relative control plants, both chemicals significantly increased but these not different from their use. Compared individual treatment, applications RLD RSD 0-20 depth. FA2 improved 0-10 32% compared treatment alone 82% non-chemicals plots Averaged diameters also treatments control, they with treatment. Similar patterns found for each year. application (45 (2 greatly biomass than application, it could be suitable high production grown under low rainfall conditions.