The Effect of Hydrophilic Polymer on Media Water Retention and Nutrient Availability to Ligustrum lucidum

Ligustrum lucidum Ait. ‘Compaction’ grown in hydrophilic polymer-amended medium required irrigation less frequently than plants in nonamended medium. Plants contained higher levels of N and K and lower levels of Ca, Mg, and other divalent cations when grown in polymer-amended medium, as compared to controls. Polymer was associated with maintenance of higher pH. With an osmocote rate increase from 15 to 45 g, a polymer × fertilizer interaction was observed. Dry weights of polymer-treated plants decreased and controls increased with increasing fertility.