Abstract: In order to promote the extension of super absorbent polymer, this paper evaluates some effects of super absorbent polymer BJ2101-L, soil structure improver PAM and BJ2101-L+PAM on soil moisture content and spring wheat growth in the Hetao irrigated Area, Inner Mongolia. The soil moisture content under the super absorbent polymer treatment was higher than that of the contrast case, especially at fringe-forming stage, and the soil moisture content under the BJ2101-L treatment was increased by 14.26% in soil layer of 0-80 cm in depth. Super absorbent polymer could be used to improve spring wheat tillering and root growth in deeper soil. The tillering capability of spring wheat under the PAM treatment could be increased by 60.45% compared with that of contrast case, and the distribution depth of wheat roots under the BJ2101-L treatment could be increased by 70.79%. Biomass and grain yield of spring wheat under BJ2101-L treatment were increased by 27.24% and 30.96% respectively compared with those of contrast case. Water use efficiency, water productivity efficiency and irrigation water productivity efficiency under the BJ2101-L treatment were increased by 20.58%, 24.13% and 31.00% respectively. BJ2101-L treatment could be used to significantly improve the economic returns per unit area, but the PAM treatment reduced significantly the economic returns. Super absorbent polymer should be actively applied in spring wheat production in the Hetao Irrigated Area, Inner Mongolia.

Key words: super absorbent polymer, BJ2101-L, PAM, soil moisture content, spring wheat, yield, economic returns, Hetao Irrigation Area