Effect of Soil Salinity on the Growth Indicators of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Starch Graft Copolymers
Authors: Ekebafe LO, Ekebafe MO
DOI Info: N/A
ABSTRACT
Graft copolymers of cassava starch and acrylonitrile were synthesized in aqueous solution using ceric ammonium ion as the initiator. Saponification of grafted copolymer was done by reaction with sodium hydroxide and precipitated with methanol. Grafting was confirmed by FTIR. The grafted copolymer and the hydrolyzed graft copolymer (hydrogel) were used as saline soil amendment to cultivate maize (Zea mays). The agricultural performance of the hydrogel was evaluated by measuring the extent of growth tolerance of maize in saline soil amended with hydrogel loadings of 0-12 g/2 kg soil and saline solution variation of 0-16,000 ppm. Sensitivity to salinity treatments was shown by maize from the earliest stage of development. Germination rate and percentage were reduced by all salinity concentrations, compared to previous findings in which there was no salinity. The findings show that a high salinity conditions reduced the growth but the plants appeared to be tolerant at all levels of hydrogel polymer incorporation with the treated soil (sandy loam soil/ hydrogel polymer).
Affiliations: Industrial Chemistry Research Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria.
Keywords: Acrylonitrile, Cassava Starch, Salinity, Hydrogel, Maize, Soil
Published date: 2020/12/30
