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ABSTRACT:The ammonium persulfate induced polymerization of acrylamide in the presence of silver nitrate (AgNO 3 ) and N,N 0 -methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinking agent were used to prepare crosslinked hydrogels containing silver ions. Subjecting this hydrogel to reduction with sodium hydroxide brought to focus the nanosilver hydrogel composites. Characterization of the latter, including proof of existence of silver nanoparticles in the hydrogel, was made. The number of silver nanoparticles embedded in the hydrogel matrix was higher at higher concentration of AgNO 3 used in the preparation of the nanosilver hydrogel composite. The characterization was performed by the use of ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The swellability of the hydrogel containing nanosilver particles was also studied, and the dependence of the swellability on the abundance of silver nanoparticles in the hydrogel composite was verified. It was further disclosed that the kinetic model matched the experimental data; meanwhile, the diffusion of water into the hydrogel was non-Fickian type.

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F ACED with the scarceness of water resources and climate changes, drought is undoubtedly one of the most important abiotic stresses limiting the growth and productivity of plants including green pea, especially in the arid and semi-arid areas. The uses of soil amendments like biochar and superabsorbent polymer, which characterized by enhancing water holding capacity and improving soil physical properties, become more important in these areas. A lysimeter experiment with sandy soil in a completely randomized design was carried out in three replicates to study the effect of biochar or/and superabsorbent polymer on the growth and productivity of green pea (Pisum sativum L.) cv. Master B under full irrigation (100% of water requirement) and water deficit regime (75% of water requirement) conditions