Hydrogel improves the initial growth and quality of Enterolobium contortisiliquum seedlings

In restoration in arid and semi-arid zones, the use of strategies to overcome water stress is fundamental to ensure the survival and establishment of seedlings.  The objective of this research is to evaluate the effect of hydrogel, associated to different irrigation frequencies, on initial growth, dry biomass allocation and seedling quality of E. contortisiliquum . The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse at the Federal University of Alagoas - Campus Arapiraca. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2x2 factorial arrangement, represented by two irrigation intervals (two and four days), in the absence and presence of hydrogel, constituting four treatments with 10 replications per evaluated period. The results suggest that the application of the hydrogel should be carried out at the time of planting of E. contortisiliquum , to promote greater growth and dry biomass. In addition, it was verified that the use of the hydrogel can mitigate the effects of water stress during the initial plant growth phase, besides improving the quality of the seedlings.