A hydrogel is a polymer that has the form of granules or powder. The material is used both in pure form and mixed with the soil to moisten the root system of garden crops and houseplants. With the help of hydrogel granules of various colors and shapes, you can create original floral compositions.

Content

• 1 What is a hydrogel?
• 2 Types of hydrogel
• 3 Application and methods of preparation of hydrogel
  • 3.1 Hydrogel deficiencies

What is a hydrogel?

Hydrogel properties:

• maintains optimal moisture balance required by the plant;
• longer preserves fertilizers in the soil and allows plants to absorb them more efficiently;
• improves soil structure and looseness;
• accelerates the period of fruiting plants;
• protects the soil from drying out and cracking.

Types of hydrogel

There are two main types of hydrogel, which differ in their composition, density, appearance and have different areas of application.

Soft the colorless polymer serves to moisten the root system of plants and acts as a soil disintegrant. The hydrogel has a jelly-like structure, so the roots, penetrating into the granules, easily absorb water and trace elements dissolved in it. Thus, with the help of this polymer material, it is possible to lengthen the periods between watering plants.

In the process of water absorption, the hydrogel increases in volume by 10–15 times., thanks to which it can hold a large amount of moisture (10 g of granules retain up to 2 liters of water), which, as necessary, gradually gives the roots of plants. At the same time, the roots of the plant do not rot from overwetting, since excess water is absorbed by the polymer.

Aqua ground is a hydrogel having a more dense composition, it is produced in the form of colored granules of various shapes (balls, cubes, pyramids).

Since the structure of such a polymer is more dense, it is more difficult for it to absorb moisture. Such crystals are used mainly as a temporary primer or for decorative purposes as a filler for indoor flowers.

Use hydrogel for plants can be repeatedly, dry it well enough. Despite the fact that over time (after 1-1.5 years), the decorative qualities of this polymer deteriorate, the ability to absorb and retain water remains. Therefore, at the end of the service life (5 years), the polymer is mixed with the soil, where it continues to perform its functions for several more years, and then breaks down into environmentally friendly components (carbon dioxide, water and ammonium).

Polymer non-toxic and can retain its properties in the soil at low and high temperatures for 5 years. Hydrogel for plants is not harmful, as for its production using environmentally friendly material (polyacrylamide), in which there are no conditions for the reproduction of harmful microorganisms.

Application and methods of preparation of hydrogel

Scopes of hydrogel are quite significant. The material is widely used in gardening works.. Thus, the polymer substrate introduced into clay soils improves the structure of the earth and helps protect plants from excessive moisture and root decay. The use of this polymer in dry soil improves the supply of water to the root system.

Akvagrunt in its pure form without admixture of soil is used for the maintenance of indoor plants. For that his pre-soaked in water with fertilizer and leave for 12 hours. After that, the granulated filler is placed in glass vessels where flowers are later planted. It is not recommended to use crystalware for planting, as crystal contains lead oxides.

Plants for decorative filler choose small, which can be well strengthened in akvagrunte. They should also be moisture-loving and shade-tolerant. The bamboo feels best in such an environment, which in nature actually grows in water. For other types of plants, fertilizer needs to be added. The term of operation of decorative akvagrunt does not exceed 2 years.

Polymerный материал также служит наполнителем для сохранения букетов срезанных цветов и, таким образом, помогает увеличивать срок жизни растений.

Due to its properties to retain moisture for a long time, the polymer is used for transporting plants. In more detail about how it is possible and necessary to apply hydrogel, the instruction for application will tell each buyer.

Hydrogel deficiencies

• Under the influence of sunlight the water in glass vessels with granules of akvagrunta begins to bloom and acquire an unpleasant smell. Therefore, indoor plants planted in decorative filler, it is better to install in shady places.
• Multi-colored polymer capsules quickly fade in bright light and lose their decorative appearance.
• The top layer of granules of akvagrunta, in which the flowers are planted, dries out in the air, whereas at the bottom of the vessel the crystals grow moldy as a result of water stagnation. Therefore, they must be periodically washed in running water.

Hydrogel application greatly facilitates the care of plants, allows you to save time and resources. Such material can accelerate the life process of plants without causing harm to the environment.