EFFECT OF SOME CHEMICAL ADDITIVES ON REDUCING THE PERMEABILTY OF AGRICULTURAL SOILS AND THE CONSUMPTION OF IRRIGATION WATER DURING THE PLANTATION OF POTATOES 'OUED SOUF'

Abstract

Agriculture is an important sector in Algeria, it is the second economic component of the country, however the country suffers from water shortage and high soil permeability, especially in the desert region (Sahara), The Sahara area in Algeria accounts for about 85% of its total area, the Algeria's Sahara considered as the most arid region in the world and has a high soil permeability, Leading to consume a large quantities of water for irrigation. In order to solve these problems, hydrogels are the effective solution proposed. Hydrogels have the capacity of holding a large amount of water and keep it close to the plant's roots. The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of hydrogel on soil permeability by application of three different dosage of Hydrogel in three parcels. The results proved that the addition of hydrogel enabled to yield 50% more production, using almost 50% less water.