See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/378433816

Effect of using hydrogel polymers on morphometric, forage production, and

nutritional characteristics of cactus pear

Article · February 2024

DOI: 10.56890/jpacd.v26i

CITATIONS READS

0 42

14 authors, including:

Antonio Leandro Chaves Gurgel Patrick Bezerra Fernandes

Universidade Federal do Piauí 81 PUBLICATIONS 211 CITATIONS
155 PUBLICATIONS 480 CITATIONS
SEE PROFILE
SEE PROFILE

João Virgínio Emerenciano Neto Gelson Dos Santos Difante

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul
100 PUBLICATIONS 563 CITATIONS 196 PUBLICATIONS 1,444 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Antonio Leandro Chaves Gurgel on 23 February 2024.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Effect of using hydrogel polymers on morphometric, forage production,
and nutritional characteristics of cactus pear

Pablo Ramon Costa1 , Emerson Moreira de Aguiar†1, Antonio Leandro Chaves Gurgel*2 , Patrick Bezerra
Fernandes3 , João Virgínio Emerenciano Neto1 , Murilo dos Santos Ferreira1 , Williana da Silva Melo1, Gelson
dos Santos Difante4 , Luis Carlos Vinhas Itavo4 , Tairon Pannunzio Dias-Silva2 , Marcos Jácome de Araújo2 ,
Larissa de Oliveira Fontes2 , Maíra Vieira Ataíde5 , José Henrique da Silva Taveira6
1
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Unidade Acadêmica Especializada em Ciências Agrárias,
Macaíba/RN, Brasil.
2
Universidade Federal do Piauí, Campus Professora Cinobelina Elvas, Bom Jesus/PI, Brasil.
3
Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia Goiano, Campus Rio Verde, Rio Verde/GO, Brasil.
4
Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Campo Grande/MS,
Brasil.
5
Universidade Estadual de Goiás, Campus Oeste, São Luís de Montes Belos/GO, Brasil.
6
Universidade Estadual de Goiás, Campus Quirinópolis, Quirinópolis/GO, Brasil.
†
in memoriam

*Corresponding author: E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract. The use of cactus pear has shown poor performance in some areas of
semi-arid climate regions, as the species needs a wide gradient between
Cite: Costa, P.R., de Aguiar, E.M.,
Gurgel, A.L.C., Fernandes, P.B., temperatures during the day and night to develop, which does not occur in such
Neto, J.V.E., dos Santos Ferreira, zones. To lessen this negative occurrence, moisture availability provides better
M., da Silva Melo, W., Difante, G.S.,
Itavo, L.C.V., Silva, T.PD., de performance for the species, such as using hydrogel instead of irrigation. The
Araújo, M.J., de Oliveira Fontes, L.,
Ataíde, M.V. and Taveira, J.H.S.
objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of using hydrogel polymers on the
2024. Effect of using hydrogel production of cactus pear (Opuntia stricta cv. Mexican Elephant Ear). Three
polymers on morphology, forage
production, and nutritional
treatments with six replications were used, totalling 18 experimental units. The
characteristics of Cactus Pear treatments were, (1) Conventional fertilization using fertilizer in granulated format;
Journal of the Professional
Association for Cactus (2) Foliar fertilization with polymer using a dilution dose of 6 grams of polymer L-1
Development. 26: 30-42. of water associated with the fertilizer in liquid form through the foliar route; (3) Foliar
https://doi.org/10.56890/jpacd.v26i.
535. fertilization without polymer using only foliar fertilization in the same formulation as
the treatment with polymer. There was no effect of fertilization strategy on plant
Associate Editor: Fernando de
Jesús Carballo-Méndez height, cladode length, cladode width, cladode thickness, cladode area, and
Technical Editor: Sandra Patricia
biomass. There was an effect of the fertilization strategy on dry matter, in which
Maciel-Torres higher estimates were measured for conventional fertilization and foliar fertilization
Received date: 08 September
without polymer. On the other hand, foliar fertilization with polymer promoted
2023
increases of 13% in mineral matter and 42% in crude protein in relation to
Accepted date: 24 January 2024
conventional fertilization. The fertilization strategy did not change the other
Published date: 23 February chemical attributes of cactus pear. The use of the hydrogel did not influence the
2024 morphometric development of the Mexican Elephant Ear cultivar but promoted
increments in the chemical composition.

Keywords: Fertilization, forage, Mexican elephant ear, polymers, Semiarid.

Copyright: © 2024 by the
authors. Submitted for possible
open access publication under
the terms and conditions of the Introduction
Creative Commons Attribution The forage cactus plants are widely used in arid and semi-arid regions, since, due
(CC BY NC SA) license
to their phenotypic plasticity, they are more efficient in water use in scenarios with
(https://creativecommons.org/lice
nses/by-nc-sa/4.0/).
low precipitation rates (Silva et al., 2021; Pereira et al., 2021; Lima et al., 2023).
Furthermore, according to Edvan et al. (2020) plants of Opuntia stricta cv. Mexican
elephant ear provides high nutritional values compared to other palm species,

Journal of the Professional Association for Cactus Development. 2024, 26: 30-42 https://www.jpacd.org/jpacd
 Journal of the Professional Association for Cactus Development. 2024, 26: 30-42 Costa et al.,

which proves the potential of this plant for feeding ruminants.

The cactus pear can be inserted into the diet of ruminants as a source of energy or in association with
other foods. Thus, when feeding dairy cows, Sánchez et al. (2022) verified that the partial replacement
of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) by palm cladodes could increase milk production. According to
Pereira et al. (2021), cactus pear can completely replace corn in the diet of dairy goats, as it does not
change dry matter intake or milk production, influencing the reduction of feed costs. Likewise, Silva et
al. (2021) verified that the association of leguminous hays with cactus pear in feedlot lambs provided
carcasses with desirable degrees of muscularity and adiposity.

Although O. stricta plants are adapted to regions with a semi-arid climate, the Mexican elephant ear
cultivar exhibits the highest rates of carbon (CO2) absorption during the rainy season (Souza et al.,
2022). Moreover, in low-altitude regions characterized by low humidity, high nighttime temperatures,
and annual precipitation below 400 mm, there is a risk of excessive water loss, leading to severe wilting
of cladodes and even plant death (Nascimento et al., 2020). This is a critical consideration to ensure
the maximum potential for forage production. Therefore, to enhance agronomic performance and
prolong the lifespan of palm groves, it is crucial to prevent severe water restrictions from the early
stages of their development. The plant demonstrates water use efficiency, with values ranging from
1.63 to 1.82 kg m- ³ (Souza et al., 2023).

The use of hydrogel ensures moisture retention in the soil, increasing water availability for plants (Saha
et al., 2020; Sousa et al., 2023; Edvan et al., 2023), being a promising strategy to be used in the
production of plants of agronomic interest in arid regions, as it enhances the germination process and
initial development of crops (Ai et al., 2020). In sandy textured soil under saline conditions, Costa et
al. (2022) found that the use of hydrogel polymer reduced water loss by 58%. In the production of
Pinus pinea, El-Asmar et al. (2017) observed that the hydrogel promoted increases of 25% in biomass,
and, at the same time, prolonged the survival time of the seedlings. However, there is a lack of
information about the use of hydrogel in cactus pear culture.

In view of this, the hypothesis was that the use of hydrogel polymers will promote better morphometric
development and enhance the production and nutritional value of the cactus pear Mexican elephant
ear cultivar. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of using hydrogel polymers
on the production of cactus pear, O. stricta cv. Mexican elephant ear, cultivated in northeastern Brazil.

Material and Methods

Study area
The experiment was carried out in the area of the Academic Unit Specialized in Agricultural Sciences,
located at the Agricultural School of Jundiaí, belonging to the Federal University of Rio Grande do
Norte, campus Macaíba/RN, Brazil (Latitude 5°53'32.76"S and longitude 35° 21'41.70"W and altitude
of 50 m), being implemented in January 2017, and conducted until January 2020 (Figure 1). The
climate of the region, according to the Thornthwaite (1948) climate classification is dry subhumid, with
water surplus from May to August. The average annual precipitation is 1048 mm and the annual
average accumulated potential evapotranspiration is 1472 mm.

2 of 13
https://www.jpacd.org Electronic ISSN: 1938-6648
 Journal of the Professional Association for Cactus Development. 2024, 26: 30-42 Costa et al.,

Figure 1. Panoramic view of the experimental area, illustrating the arrangement of plants in their respective
plots.

Experimental design and treatments

A completely randomized experimental design was employed, involving three treatments, each with
six replications, totaling 18 experimental units (Figure 1). The treatments were, (1) Conventional
fertilization using fertilizer in granulated format; (2) Foliar fertilization with polymer using a dilution dose
of 6 grams of polymer L-1 of water associated with the fertilizer in liquid form through the foliar route;
(3) Foliar fertilization without polymer using only foliar fertilization in the same formulation as the
treatment with polymer.

Soil analysis
Before the implementation of the experiment, the chemical and physical characterization of the soil
was carried out in the 0-20 cm layer, collecting 20 simple samples at equidistant points. Subsequently,
a composite sample was taken and sent to the laboratory for analysis according to Texeira et al.
(2017). The soil was classified as Neosol Quartzareno type (Santos et al., 2018), with a sandy loam
texture (964 g kg-1 of sand). Regarding the chemical parameters, the results were, active acidity (pH
in water) of 5.27, 0.46, 0.30 and 1.98 cmolc dm-3, respectively of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg),
potential acidity (H+Al); 27.33 and 52.00 mg dm-3 of potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) (Mehlich I);
cation exchange capacity (CEC) of 2.91, 24.0 g dm-3 of organic matter (OM) and base saturation of
31.74%.

Land preparation
For the experiment, cactus pear (Opuntia stricta cv. Mexican Elephant Ear). The planting area was
previously prepared by means of leveling harrowing, followed by liming, 60 days before planting, and
leveling harrowing again, in order to incorporate the applied corrective. The applied rate of limestone
was 1.7 t ha-1 according to soil analysis recommendations and using the base saturation method.
Subsequently furrows were made in the area.

Plant density
The cladodes were planted in January in the double row system, with compaction in the format of a
playing card, spacing 1.0 m x 0.5 m x 0.15 m, totaling 133,333 plants ha-1, the intended size of the
area for each plot was 56.25 m², which corresponds to 7.5 × 7.5 m. The standardization cut was
performed at 24 months.

3 of 13
https://www.jpacd.org Electronic ISSN: 1938-6648
 Journal of the Professional Association for Cactus Development. 2024, 26: 30-42 Costa et al.,

Fertilization
In the beginning, 100 kg ha-1 of P2O5 was added, in all treatments, in the source of simple
superphosphate, based on the results of the soil analysis and the recommendation of fertilization for
the crop, being deposited at the bottom of the furrow prior to planting the cladodes. In the treatment
using foliar fertilization with polymer, was necessary to hydrate the polymer in water, using a water
tank with a capacity of 1000 L, in which 2.7 kg of polymer was deposited, and the volume of water
used for hydration, which was 450 L, that is, 6 grams of polymer per liter of water. The polymer
remained in contact with water for 30 minutes, for complete hydration, until it reached a gelatinous
appearance. The hydrogel polymer (Potassium Polyacrylic Copolymer Polyacrylamide) has a cation
exchange capacity of 532.26 mmolc dm-³ and a water retention capacity of 1,526.69%.

The application of the hydrated polymer occurred at a dose of 6.0 g m-1 or 1.0 L m-1 of furrow. To apply
the product, a watering can was placed in the furrow, promoting direct contact with part of the plant.
After the application of the polymer, the grooves were covered with soil, in approximately 2/3 of the
cladode.

The fertilizer used was composed exclusively of chemical fertilizers, with the doses used for N
(nitrogen), P, and K in the three treatments respectively, 391, 100, and 542 kg ha-1, with the difference
in relation to the form of application (Blanco-Macías et al., 2010), so that in conventional fertilization
was applied via soil, and in foliar fertilization with and without polymer via foliar, with the exception of
P, applied via soil in all treatments.

The preparation of the liquid fertilizer formulation for the foliar fertilization treatments with and without
polymer comprised 15 kg of soluble potassium chloride (61% of K2O) and 15 kg of urea (44% of N),
both added in a 40 L container of water, this mixture was decanted for 24 hours. For spraying, a
knapsack-type sprayer was used, with a 20 L capacity, to which the potassium chloride (KCl) solution
associated with urea was added, and the solution was filtered at the time of packaging in the sprayer,
in order to avoid bottom bodies and impurities within it.

The application of foliar fertilization was carried out at night, due to the physiological aspects of the
cactus, that is, particularities related to the stomatal opening that always occurs after this time,
therefore, foliar fertilization tends to be more efficient if applied after this time. The liquid fertilizer
solution was distributed in the foliar fertilization treatments with and without polymer via the foliar route,
in which 586.66 L ha-1 of the solution was applied.

Fertilizer dosages (N and K) were applied every 90 days apart. The fertilizers applied via granules in
the conventional fertilization treatment followed the same dose application interval proportions, with
four annual applications, spaced every 90 days. Phosphorus was applied annually in all treatments, in
a single-dose format.

Pest control
During the experimental period, cochineal control (Dactylopius coccus) was carried out using a mixture
of mineral oil and 2% neutral detergent. The fungal, viral, and bacterial diseases were not observed in
cactus pear plants. The control of invasive plants was carried out through manual cleaning at periodic
intervals.

4 of 13
https://www.jpacd.org Electronic ISSN: 1938-6648
 Journal of the Professional Association for Cactus Development. 2024, 26: 30-42 Costa et al.,

Variables measured
The morphometric data were analyzed at the time of harvest, being obtained from 10 cladodes
selected at random from the useful area of each plot, in order to estimate the morphometric data of
the plants, with the aid of a ruler to measure the width (cm) and the length (cm) of the cladode and its
respective area and using a caliper the thickness (mm) was obtained. The cladode area (AC, cm²) was
determined using the following equation, AC = L × C × 0.75 (Lima et al., 2020). The plant height was
obtained using a 1.50 m ruler, which was measured from the base to the end of the last cladode.

At the time of harvesting, the area of each plot was measured, preserving an area called the useful
area, where the material for analysis of the variables was obtained. The useful area covered the three
central double rows, measuring 4×3 m, eliminating the two double rows on both sides.

The total harvest of cladodes from the usable area was carried out by cutting them at the joint between
plants and after collecting morphometric data. The mother cladode and two primary cladodes, as
described earlier, were preserved for each plant. All harvested cladodes were placed in jute bags,
properly identified, and weighed. Subsequently, the dry matter content (DM) was determined to
estimate forage production (t ha-1).

After determining the DM, the samples were sent to the Multiuser Laboratory of Animal Nutrition at
UFRN and crushed in a Willey knife mill. Subsequently, the concentrations of mineral matter (MM)
were determined by the methodology Silva and Queiroz (2002). Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid
detergent fiber (ADF) were determined by the methodology of Van Soest et al. (1969); ether extract
(EE), lignin, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent-insoluble protein and detergent-insoluble protein
were determined according to procedures described by Silva and Queiroz (2002).

The Total Carbohydrates (CHO) content was obtained by the equation, %CHO= 100 - (%CP + % EE
+ MM) and for the non-fiber Carbohydrates (NFC) content the equation was used: % NFC = 100 –
(%NDF + %PB + %EE + %MM), both formulas described by Sniffen et al. (1992). The content of total
digestible nutrients (TDN) by the equation proposed by the NRC (2001).

Statistical analysis
The data were analyzed following a completely randomized model (Yij= μ + Fi + εij), Yij: observed
value; μ = general constant; Fi: effect of fertilization strategy (i = conventional fertilization, foliar
fertilization with polymer, foliar fertilization without polymer); εij: random error, associated with each
observed value. After this procedure, the Tukey mean test was applied at 5% probability.
Correlations (r) were obtained by Pearson's correlation analysis using the t-test, considering
significance at 5%. The criterion for classifying the correlation coefficient was r ≥ 70% meaning strong
association and 50% <r<70% indicating moderate correlation. All statistical procedures were
performed using R software version 4.2.1.

Results
Morphometric characteristics and biomass
No effect of fertilization strategy was observed on plant height, cladode length, cladode width, cladode
thickness, cladode area, and biomass (Table 1).

5 of 13
https://www.jpacd.org Electronic ISSN: 1938-6648
 Journal of the Professional Association for Cactus Development. 2024, 26: 30-42 Costa et al.,

Table 1. Morphometric characteristics and biomass production of cactus pear in different fertilization
strategies.
Fertilization strategy
Foliar Foliar fertilization CV
Conventional P-value
fertilization with without polymer (%)
fertilization (kg ha-1)
polymer (L ha-1) (L ha-1)
Plant height
55.86a 54.41a 54.73a 0.760 6.42
(cm)
Cladode length
2408a 23.67a 23.34a 0.587 5.13
(cm)
Cladode width
17.50a 17.32a 16.98a 0.450 4.12
(cm)
Thickness of the
10.39a 10.32a 10.16a 0.214 2.14
cladode (mm)
Area of the
317.00a 307.50a 297.16a 0.399 8.01
cladode (cm²)
Biomass (t ha-1) 9.23a 8.56a 10.65a 0.057 14.80
Means followed by lowercase letters, the same on the lines do not differ from each other by Tukey's test at 5%. CV: coefficient
of variation.

Chemical composition
An effect of the fertilization strategy on dry matter was observed, in which higher estimates were
measured for conventional fertilization and foliar fertilization without polymer. On the other hand, foliar
fertilization with polymer promoted increases of 13% in mineral matter and 42% in crude protein in
relation to conventional fertilization (Table 2).

No effect of fertilization strategy was observed for insoluble protein in neutral detergent, insoluble
protein in acid detergent, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, lignin, total carbohydrates, non-
fiber carbohydrates, ether extract, and total digestible nutrients (Table 2).

Table 2. Chemical composition of cactus pear in different fertilization strategies.

Fertilization strategy
Conventional Foliar fertilization Foliar fertilization P-value CV (%)
-1 -1 -1
fertilization (kg ha ) with polymer (L ha ) without polymer (L ha )
DM* 8.91a 6.34b 7.85a <0.001 10.06
% of DM
MM 11.26b 14.14a 12.53ab 0.006 10.48
b a
CP 3,68 6.30 5.43a 0.002 19.98
NDIP 0.28a 0.24a 0.28a 0.218 14.97
a a a
ADIP 0.09 0.091 0.10 0.718 21.47
NDF 40.14a 35.45a 39.69a 0.105 102.00
ADF 13.54a 14.89a 15.35a 0.482 18.05
Lignin 3.03a 3.44a 3.25a 0.547 19.72
TC 83.98a 78.60b 81.02b <0.001 2.27
NFC 43.83a 43.15a 41.32a 0.511 8.88
a a a
EE 1.07 0.943 1.01 0.455 16.92
TDN 62.73a 61.18a 61.26a 2.77 0.243
*% of fresh matter; DM: Dry matter; MM: Mineral matter; CP: Crude protein; NDIP: neutral detergent insoluble protein; ADIP:
Acid detergent insoluble protein; NDF: Neutral detergent fiber; FDA: Acid detergent fiber; TC: Total carbohydrates; NFC:
non-fibrous carbohydrates; EE: Ethereal extract; TDN: Total digestible nutrients. Means followed by lowercase letters the
same on the lines do not differ from each other by Tukey's test at 5%. CV: coefficient of variation.

6 of 13
https://www.jpacd.org Electronic ISSN: 1938-6648
 Journal of the Professional Association for Cactus Development. 2024, 26: 30-42 Costa et al.,

There was a positive and strong correlation between dry matter and total carbohydrates, insoluble
protein in neutral detergent and fiber in acid detergent, width and length of the cladode with the area
of the cladode. Mineral matter and crude protein exhibited a high negative correlation with mineral
matter, dry matter, and total carbohydrates. A strong and negative correlation was observed between
non-fiber carbohydrates and neutral detergent fiber (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Correlation matrix of morphometric characteristics and chemical composition of cactus pear in different
fertilization strategies. Blank cells in the correlation matrix indicate no significant effect occurred at 5%. FC:
Conventional fertilization; FFH: Foliar fertilization with polymer; FF: Foliar fertilization without polymer. PH: Plant
height; CL: Cladode length; WC: Width of the cladode; CL: cladode length; ThC: Thickness of the cladode; CA:
Cladode area; BIO: Biomass; DM: Dry matter; MM: Mineral matter; CP: Crude protein; NDIP: neutral detergent
insoluble protein; ADIP: Acid detergent insoluble protein; NDF: Neutral detergent fiber; FDA: Acid detergent fiber;
TC: Total carbohydrates; NFC: non-fibrous carbohydrates; EE: Ethereal extract; TDN: Total digestible nutrients.

Discussion

The fertilization strategies did not influence the morphometric characteristics and forage production of
the Mexican Elephant Ear cultivar. Possibly the density used had an impact on the generation of plants
of lower height, according to Pereira et al. (2022) for the Mexican Elephant Ear cultivar, the use of
values greater than 100,000 plants ha-1 can generate a plant height of less than 70 cm. Increased
density stimulates competition between plants, slowing down the emission of new cladodes.

7 of 13
https://www.jpacd.org Electronic ISSN: 1938-6648
 Journal of the Professional Association for Cactus Development. 2024, 26: 30-42 Costa et al.,

The effects of conventional fertilization on palm forage production will show greater effects in the long
term. Because the use of chemical fertilizers in granulometric form, leads to an increase in dry mass
yield in the third cycle of palm harvest (Lédo et al., 2019).

Regarding the cladode biometry data, is possible to verify that there is a strong correlation between
the variables (Figure 2) showing that the width and length are important measures to make predictions
of the total area of the cladode (Lucena et al., 2019; Lucena et al., 2020). The use of the two variables
can also be applied to obtain the leaf area in other plants with foraging aptitude (Arachis pintoi,
Stylosanthes spp., Calopogonium mucunoides, Neonotonia wightii, Megathyrsus maximus cv. BRS
Zuri), generating high precision estimates, as it was observed by Homem et al. (2017), and Fernandes
et al. (2020).

Conventional fertilization and foliar fertilization without the hydrogel polymer impacted increases in dry
matter, indicating that cladodes produced under these management conditions exhibited higher
specific gravity. According to Dubeux Jr et al. (2021) when there is an adequate supply of N-P-K in
palm groves cultivated under high density, it is possible to promote increases in the dry matter
concentration and induce an improvement in the nutritive value of the cladode.

However, conventional fertilization provided lower crude protein values than the other strategies (Table
2); even with the use of the recommended doses of nutrients for the maximum performance of the
plant, in soils with sandy texture due to their respective granulometry, there is little retention of K,
therefore, high losses by leaching occur, associated with this, in the semi-arid region at high
temperatures cause losses by volatilization; occurring when using urea as a N-source (Duarte et al.,
2013; Perin et al., 2020).

Foliar fertilization represents an attractive supplementary strategy, as it avoids adverse impacts on the
soil. However, its implementation often faces challenges such as limited penetration through foliar
barriers, leaf damage, and a restricted capacity for nutrient translocation (Husted et al., 2022).
Similarly, the use of hydrogel in agriculture emerges as a promising strategy, as hydrogel polymers
ensure water retention and availability for plants, enhancing accessibility to essential nutrients
necessary for organ development and expansion (Zhang et al., 2022). Additionally, this approach
contributes to reducing the water footprint in food production.

The plants will express greater nutritional value with the maximum potential for nutrient utilization. In
agricultural scenarios, cultivating plants with forage potential, when there is no compromise in the
supply of N, higher values of crude protein will be measured (Leite et al., 2021; Hughes et al., 2022).
Leite et al. (2018) verified that the increasing offer of N does not influence the morphology of cactus
pear plants, however, when the supply occurs without the interference of abiotic factors, it generates
positive effects on the concentration of crude protein in the cladode. Subsequently, the increase in
crude protein concentration causes a reduction in total carbohydrate contents (Figure 2). On the other
hand, the values obtained in the three fertilization strategies are satisfactory. In the genus Opuntia
spp., values of crude protein and total carbohydrates are measured in the proportions of 5.20% and
84.07%, respectively (Pessoa et al., 2020).

Due to the negative correlation between non-fibrous carbohydrates and neutral detergent fiber, it is
possible to infer that less than 50% of the proportion of carbohydrates is formed by fibrous
carbohydrate structures (Table 2 and Figure 2). Magalhães et al. (2021) verified that forage cactus

8 of 13
https://www.jpacd.org Electronic ISSN: 1938-6648
 Journal of the Professional Association for Cactus Development. 2024, 26: 30-42 Costa et al.,

genotypes provide adequate values of total digestible nutrients, non-fiber carbohydrates, and total
fraction of unavailable nitrogen, indicating that they can be used in the diet of ruminants. However,
supplementation is required to increase fiber content.

Although the use of hydrogel has not enhanced the production of biomass, it is important to mention
that its use should not be disregarded, since the climate perspectives for the coming decades indicate
that it will be necessary to use strategies that allow the efficient use of water, thus, it will be possible
to promote agricultural sustainability (Liu et al., 2022). Furthermore, it is of utmost importance that
future research includes a cost analysis of applying hydrogel in palm cultivation. Since this product is
not widely adopted in production systems, the economic feasibility of its use will depend on an increase
in demand, potentially leading to a reduction in product costs.

Conclusions
The use of the hydrogel did not influence the morphometric development, or biomass production in
the Opuntia stricta cv. Mexican Elephant Ear. On the other hand, the polymer promotes increments in
the chemical composition of the plant, increasing the levels of crude protein in conventional fertilization.

ETHICS STATEMENT
Not applicable.

CONSENT FOR PUBLICATION

Not applicable.

AVAILABILITY OF SUPPORTING DATA

All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article.

COMPETING INTERESTS
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

FUNDING
This research was funded by the State University of Goiás and the Dean of Research and
Postgraduate Studies, under Agreement No. 000036041850, as part of Notice No. 21/2022. Additional
financial support was provided by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel
- Brazil (CAPES) under Financial Code 001, as well as by the National Council for Scientific and
Technological Development.

AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS
Conceptualization, P.R.C., E.M.d.A., A.L.C.G., J.V.E.N., M.d.S.F. and W.d.S.M.; methodology, P.R.C.,
E.M.d.A., M.d.S.F. and W.d.S.M.; software, A.L.C.G., P.B.F. and L.C.V.I.; validation, E.M.d.A.,
A.L.C.G., J.V.E.N., G.d.S.D., T.P.D.S., M.J.d.A., L.d.O.F. and J.H.d.S.T.; formal analysis, A.L.C.G.
and P.B.F.; investigation, P.R.C., E.M.d.A., M.d.S.F., W.d.S.M. and M.V.A.; resources, E.M.d.A.; data
curation, P.R.C., E.M.d.A., A.L.C.G. and P.B.F.; writing—original draft preparation, P.R.C., A.L.C.G.,
P.B.F. and M.V.A.; writing—review and editing, A.L.C.G.; visualization, P.B.F., J.V.E.N., G.d.S.D.,
L.C.V.I., T.P.D.S., M.J.d.A., L.d.O.F. supervision, E.M.d.A.; project administration, P.R.C. and
E.M.d.A.; funding acquisition, P.R.C. and E.M.d.A.

9 of 13
https://www.jpacd.org Electronic ISSN: 1938-6648
 Journal of the Professional Association for Cactus Development. 2024, 26: 30-42 Costa et al.,

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thanks are due to the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel - Brazil
(CAPES); the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte; the State University of Goiás and the National
Council for Scientific and Technological Development.

References
Ai, F., Yin, X., Hu, R., Ma, H., Liu, W. 2021. Research into the super-absorbent polymers on agricultural
water. Agricultural Water Management. 245:106513.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2020.106513

Blanco-Macías, F., Magallanes-Quintanar, R., Valdez-Cepeda, R.D., Vázquez-Alvarado, R., Olivares-

Sáenz, E., Gutiérrez-Ornelas, E., Vidales-Contreras, J.A., Murillo-Amador, B. 2010. Nutritional
reference values for Opuntia ficus-indica determined by means of the boundary-line approach.
Journal of Nutrition and Soil Science. 173:927-934. https://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.200900147

Costa, M.C.G., Freire, A.G., Lourenço, D.V., Sousa, R.R.D., Feitosa, J.P.D.A., Mota, J.C.A. 2022.
Hydrogel composed of potassium acrylate, acrylamide, and mineral as soil conditioner under
saline conditions. Scientia Agricola. 79:e20200235. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-992X-2020-
0235

Duarte, I.N., Pereira, H.S., Korndörfer, G.H. 2013. Lixiviação de potássio proveniente do termopotássio.
Pesquisa Agropecuária Tropical. 43:195-200. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1983-
40632013000200003

Dubeux Jr, J.C.B., Santos, M.V.F., Cunha, M.V., Santos, D.C., Souza, R.T.A., Mello, A.C.L., Souza, T.C.
2021. Cactus (Opuntia and Nopalea) nutritive value: A review. Animal Feed Science and
Technology. 275:114890. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2021.11489

Edvan, R.L., Barros, D.M., Nascimento, R.R., Araújo, M.J., Sousa, H.R.; Neris, L.M.L., Bezerra, L.R.,
Silva-Filho, E.C. 2023. Potential Use of Hydrogel from Natural Fiber in the Initial Growth of
Nopalea Cochenillifera Under Water Stress: Water Source of Slow Release. Communications in
Soil Science and Plant Analysis. 54:1-13. https://doi.org/10.1080/00103624.2023.2254334

Edvan, R.L., Mota, R.R.M., Dias-Silva, T.P., Nascimento, R.R., Sousa, S.V., Silva, A.L., Araújo, M.J.,
Araújo, J.S. 2020. Resilience of cactus pear genotypes in a tropical semi-arid region subject to
climatic cultivation restriction. Scientific Reports10:10040. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-
66972-0

El‐Asmar, J., Jaafar, H., Bashour, I., Farran, M.T., Saoud, I.P. 2017. Hydrogel banding improves plant
growth, survival, and water use efficiency in two calcareous soils. Clean - Soil Air Water
45:1700251. https://doi.org/10.1002/clen.201700251

Fernandes, P.B., Barbosa, R.A., Morais, M.G., Medeiros-Neto, C., Gurgel, A.L.C., Costa, C.M., Costa,
A.B.G., Santana, J.C.S., Silva, M.G.P., Difante, G.S. 2020. Evaluation and reparametrization of
mathematical models for prediction of the leaf area of Megathyrsus maximus cv. BRS Zuri.
Tropical Grasslands-Forrajes Tropicales. 8:214–219. https://doi.org/10.17138/tgft(8)214-219

10 of 13
https://www.jpacd.org Electronic ISSN: 1938-6648
 Journal of the Professional Association for Cactus Development. 2024, 26: 30-42 Costa et al.,

Homem, B.G.C., Ferreira, I.M., Gionbelli, M.P., Bernardes, T.F., Casagrande, D.R., Lara, M.A.S. 2017.
Estimating leaf area of warm-season perennial legumes. Grass and Forage Science. 72:481–
488. https://doi.org/10.1111/gfs.12290

Hughes, M.P., Mlambo, V., Lallo, C.H. 2022. Optimum nitrogen fertilization rate and nitrogen use
efficiency for Brachiaria hybrid and Megathyrsus maximus varies with stage of regrowth. JSFA
Reports 2:168-177. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsf2.37

Husted, S., Minutello, F., Pinna, A., Le Tougaard, S., Møs, P., Kopittke, P.M. 2022. What is missing to
advance foliar fertilization using nanotechnology? Trends in Plant Science. 28: 90-105.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2022.08.017

Lédo, A.A., Donato, S.L., Aspiazú, I., Silva, J.A.D., Donato, P.E., Carvalho, A.J.D. 2019. Yield and water
use efficiency of cactus pear under arrangements, spacings and fertilizations. Revista Brasileira
de Engenharia Agrícola e Ambiental. 23:413-418. https://doi.org/10.1590/1807-
1929/agriambi.v23n6p413-418

Leite, J.R.A., Sales, E.C.J.D., Monção, F.P., Guimarães, A.D.S., Rigueira, J.P.S., Gomes, V.M. 2018.
Nopalea cactus pear fertilized with nitrogen: morphometric, productive and nutritional
characteristics. Acta Scientiarum. Animal Sciences. 40:e38325.
https://doi.org/10.4025/actascianimsci.v40i1.38325

Leite, R.G., Cardoso, A.D.S., Fonseca, N.V.B., Silva, M.L.C., Tedeschi, L.O., Delevatti, L.M., Ruggieri,
A.C., Reis, R.A. 2021. Effects of nitrogen fertilization on protein and carbohydrate fractions of
Marandu palisadegrass. Scientific Reports. 11:14786. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-
94098-4

Lima, A.S., Silva, P.F., Matos, R.M., Bonou, S.I., Neto, J.D. 2020. Determinação da área de cladódios e
fator de correção da palma forrageira sob fertirrigação nitrogenada. Revista Brasileira de
Agricultura Irrigada. 4:3803. https://doi.org/10.7127/rbai.v14n1001017

Lima, B.S.L., Marques, C.A.T., Edvan, R.L., Bezerra, L.R., Araújo, J.S., Nóbrega, J.C.A., Araújo, M.J.,
Nascimento, R.R., Alves, F.G.S. 2023. Agronomic and mineral characterization of cactus
varieties under different doses of phosphorus. Journal of the Professional Association for Cactus
Development. 25:94-108. https://doi.org/10.56890/jpacd.v25i.455

Liu, Y., Wang, J., Chen, H., Cheng, D. 2022. Environmentally friendly hydrogel: A review of classification,
preparation and application in agriculture. Science of the Total Environment. 846:157303.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157303

Lucena, L.R.R., Leite, M.L.D.M.V., Simões, V.J.L.P., Nóbrega, C., Almeida, M.C.R., Simplício, J.B. 2020.
Estimating the area and weight of cactus forage cladodes using linear dimensions. Acta
Scientiarum. Agronomy 43:e45460. https://doi.org/10.4025/actasciagron.v43i1.45460

11 of 13
https://www.jpacd.org Electronic ISSN: 1938-6648
 Journal of the Professional Association for Cactus Development. 2024, 26: 30-42 Costa et al.,

Lucena, L.R.R., Leite, M.L.M.V., Cruz Jr., C.B., Carvalho, J.D., Santos, E.R., Oliveira, A.D.M. 2019.
Estimation of cladode area of Nopalea cochenillifera using digital images. Journal of the
Professional Association for Cactus Development. 21:32-42.
https://doi.org/10.56890/jpacd.v21i.4

Magalhães, A.L.R., Teodoro, A.L., Oliveira, L.P.D., Gois, G.C., Campos, F.S., Andrade, A.P.D., Melo,
A.P.S., Nascimento, D.B., Silva, W.A.D. 2021. Chemical composition, fractionation of
carbohydrates and nitrogen compounds, ruminal degradation kinetics, and in vitro gas production
of cactus pear genotypes. Ciência Animal Brasileira. 22: e-69338. https://doi.org/10.1590/1809-
6891v22e-69338

Nascimento, S.M., Aguiar, E.M., Lima, G.F.C., Novaes, L.P., Costa, P.R. 2020. Aspectos gerais da
palma forrageira e alternativas de manejo: uma associação do hidrogel agrícola e da adubação
foliar. Revista Eletrônica Nutritime. 17:8681-8698.

National Research Council - NRC. 2001. Nutrient requirements of dairy cattle. 7.ed. Washington, D.C.
381p.

Pereira, G.F., Emerenciano Neto, J.V., Gracindo, A.P.A.C., Silva, Y.M.O., Difante, G.S., Gurgel, A.L.C.,
Marinho, F.J.S., Lima, G.F.C. 2021. Replacement of grain maize with spineless cactus in the diet
of dairy goats. Journal of Dairy Research. 88:134-138.
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022029921000352

Pereira, J.D.S., Figueirêdo, P.I.D., Anjos, J.S.D., Campos, F.S., Araújo, G.G.L., Voltolini, T.V. 2022.
Forage yield and structural responses of spineless cactus ‘Orelha de Elefante Mexicana’at
different planting densities. Acta Scientiarum. Agronomy. 44: e53016.
https://doi.org/10.4025/actasciagron.v44i

Perin, V., Santos, E.A., Lollato, R., Ruiz‐Diaz, D., Kluitenberg, G.J. 2020. Impacts of ammonia
volatilization from broadcast urea on winter wheat production. Agronomy Journal. 112:3758-3772.
https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.20371

Pessoa, D.V., Andrade, A.P., Magalhães, A.L.R., Teodoro, A.L., Djalma, C.S., Araújo, G.G.L., Medeiros,
A.N., Nascimento, D.N., Valença, R.L., Cardoso, D.B. 2020. Forage nutritional differences within
the genus Opuntia. Journal of Arid Environments 181:104243.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2020.104243

Saha, A., Sekharan, S., Manna, U. 2020. Superabsorbent hydrogel (SAH) as a soil amendment for
drought management: A review. Soil and Tillage Research 204:104736.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2020.104736

Sánchez, B.M.S., Véras, A.S.C., Freitas, E.V., Farias, L.R., Albuquerque, J.G.S.S., Almeida, G.A.P.,
Mora-Luna, R.E., Monteiro, C.C.F., Gama, M.A.S., Ferreira, M.A. 2022. Partial replacement of
sugarcane with cactus (Opuntia stricta) cladodes improves milk yield and composition in Holstein
dairy cows. Animal Production Science. 62:691-699. https://doi.org/10.1071/AN19648

12 of 13
https://www.jpacd.org Electronic ISSN: 1938-6648
 Journal of the Professional Association for Cactus Development. 2024, 26: 30-42 Costa et al.,

Santos, H.G., Jacomine, P.K.T., Anjos, L.H.C., Oliveira, V.A., Lumbreras, J.F., Coelho, M.R., Almeida,
J.A., Cunha, T.J.F., Oliveira, J.B. 2018. Sistema Brasileiro de Classificação de Solos – 5ª edição
– Embrapa. 356p.

Silva, D.J., Queiroz, A.C. 2002. Análise de alimentos: métodos químicos e biológicos. 3 – 5ª –
Universidade Federal de Viçosa. 235p.

Silva, M.G.T., Costa, M.G., Medeiros, M.C., Difante, G.S., Azevedo, P.S., Gurgel, A.L.C., Emerenciano
Neto, J.V., Veras, E.L.L., Itavo, L.C.V. 2021. Use of spineless cactus associated with legume hay
in the feedlot-finishing of lambs in semi-arid regions. PLoS One. 16:e0261554.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0261554

Sniffen, C.J., O'connor, J.D., Van Soest, P.J., Fox, D.G., Russell, J.B. 1992. A net carbohydrate and
protein system for evaluating cattle diets: II. Carbohydrate and protein availability. Journal of
Animal Science. 70:3562-3577. https://doi.org/10.2527/1992.70113562x

Sousa, H.R., Lima, I.S., Neris, L.M.L., Silva, A.S., Nascimento, A.M.S.S., Araújo, F.P.A., Ratke, R.F.,
Osajima, J.A., Edvan, R.L., Azevedo, C.K.S., Vilsinski, B.H., Muniz, E.C., Silva-Filho, E.C. 2023.
Innovative hydrogels made from babassu mesocarp for technological application in agriculture.
Journal of Molecular Liquids. 376:121463. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molliq.2023.121463

Souza, J.T.A., Araújo, J.S., Félix, E.S., Alves, R.C., Oliveira Filho, T.J., Lira, E.C. 2022. CO2 capture and
water use efficiency in Opuntia stricta (Haw.) at different seasons and evaluation times. Revista
Colombiana de Ciencias Hortícolas. 16:e13525. https://doi.org/10.17584/rcch.2022v16i2.13525.

Souza, M.S., Araújo Júnior, G.N., Jardim, A.M.R., Souza, C.A.A., Pinheiro, A.G., Souza, L.S.B.,
Salvador, K.R.S., Leite, R.M.C., Alves, C.P., Silva, T.G.F. 2023. Improving productivity and water
use efficiency by intercropping cactus and millet. Irrigation and Drainage. 72:982-998.
https://doi.org/10.1002/ird.2834

Teixeira, P.C., Donagemma, G.K., Fontana, A., Teixeira, W.G. 2017. Manual de Métodos de Análise de
Solo – 3ª edição – Embrapa. 577p.

Thornthwaite, C.W. An approach toward a rational classification of climate.1948. Geographical Review.

38:55-93. https://doi.org/10.2307/210739

Van Soest, P.J. 1994. Ecologia nutricional dos ruminantes. Universidad de Cornell, New York.

Zhang, Y., Tian, X., Zhang, Q., Xie, H., Wang, B., Feng, Y. 2022. Hydrochar-embedded carboxymethyl
cellulose-g-poly (acrylic acid) hydrogel as stable soil water retention and nutrient release agent
for plant growth. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts. 7:116-127.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobab.2022.03.003

13 of 13
https://www.jpacd.org Electronic ISSN: 1938-6648

View publication stats