Abstract
A field testing of Arundo donax was conducted on the desiccated bed of the Aral Sea using the growth stimulator Humimax “Double Strength” and a hydrogel. Humimax was applied at three dosage levels: 2, 3, and 4 g per 1 liter of water, while the hydrogel was incorporated into the planting hole at application rates of 2, 3, and 4 liters of solution.
It was established that when plants were treated with Humimax at a rate of 3 g per liter of water, summer plant mortality amounted to 9 plants, corresponding to 10% of the initial number of plants. In contrast, treatment with Humimax at 4 g per liter of water resulted in a mortality of 16.2 plants (18.9%), whereas in the control treatment plant mortality reached 31.4 plants (44.3%).
When the hydrogel was applied to the planting hole and thoroughly mixed with the soil prior to planting of root suckers, it was found that the application of 3 liters of solution ensured a plant survival rate of 74.0 plants per 100 running meters in November, while the application of 4 liters of solution resulted in 72.0 plants per 100 running meters. In the control treatment, plant survival was only 32 plants per 100 running meters. The hydrogel contributes to soil moisture retention and enables its more eficient utilization by plants.