Improving Pinus pinea plantation success with hydrogel

Abstract

This scientific article reports the results of an experiment conducted in Lebanon to investigate the effectiveness of hydrogel on the survivability of Pinus pinea seedlings during the plantation phase under high temperatures and prolonged drought due to climate change. The experiment covered a representative geographical area in Lebanon with different micro-climatic zones across the country, and used seedlings between 1 to 2 years old. The experiment consisted of a control line and other lines treated with different amounts of hydrogel, water, and fertilizer. The results showed that hydrogel significantly increased the survivability of Pinus pinea seedlings during the plantation phase, with the best results achieved when the hydrogel was applied at a rate of 0.75 g per seedling mixed with same amount of fertilizer. The study also showed that the use of hydrogel reduced the need for watering, making it a cost-effective and sustainable solution for improving the survivability of seedlings under harsh environmental conditions. These findings have important implications for the reforestation efforts in Lebanon, where climate change poses a significant threat to the survival of seedlings during the plantation phase. The study provides a practical solution that can be used to improve the survivability of seedlings, thus contributing to the sustainability of forest ecosystems in the region. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of hydrogel on the growth and development of Pinus Pinea seedlings