In this paper, the effects of super absorbent polymer ( SAP) on soil
physical and chemical properties and the relationships among water absorbent
capacity of SAP with three different granularities ( 2.0-3.2 mm, 1.0-2.0 mm
and 0.5-1.0 mm) were studied in laboratory. The results showed that there was
a negative correlation between water absorbent rate and SAP granularity. Soil
moisture content could be significantly increased and soil evaporation could be
restricted after applying SAP. Soil pH value and electrical conductivity could
be increased after applying SAP, the proportion of liquid phase in soil could be
increased, but that of gas phase decreased, and soil permeability could also be
decreased. In general, the improving effects of SAP with medium granularity on
soil physical and chemical properties, such as soil water content, pH value, total
porosity, permeability and electrical conductivity, were the highest, especially
when the proportion of applied SAP was 0.1%.