Potential for irrigation water saving using polymers in kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia consumes about 18 billion cubic meters of water per year for irrigation, most of which comes from non-renewable groundwater. Therefore there is an urgent need for agricultural practices aimed at reducing the water use. Since there is an estimated 25 % irrigation loss, the use of commercial polymers that improve the soil structure and moisture-holding capacity are recommended. The tests were conducted in a greenhouse by growing wheat and alfalfa on two soil types by varying the ratio of polymer mixing and salinity of water used for irrigation. Results indicate that the use of polymers increase moisture content and yield, while also reducing irrigation frequency.