Diapers....(keep it clean)

[FrankDrebinOfFruits]

Anyone out there use clean diapers to amend their nursery potting soil? In particular the sodium polyacrylate for moisture absorption and slow release.... the other option is to just water frequently 

And just to prove I am not crazy:
http://www.instructables.com/id/11-Unusual-Uses-for-Diapers/step5/Soil-conditioner/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_polyacrylate


hmm.. that really didn't prove much....guess I am crazy 

[DurianLover]

Name alone did not give me cozy feeling. Looked up and it looks like it is toxic when inhaled or ingested. However, it is approved by FDA in agriculture. Some of us know the FDA. So, make your own choice. I personally would not put this stuff in my soil.
I suggest coconut coir/husk fiber as alternative. It holds 8—9 times its weight in water with excellent retention characteristics. You being in Hawaii might get this stuff rather easy I assume?

[Saltcayman]

I used the crystals( minus the diapers) which you can buy on ebay.  They worked well to get seedlings going in a very arid environment but if you have nearby sources of organic matter/ tree trimmings/ banana leaves, sea grass use those.  Mulch like crazy on top of the soil. It will improve your soil over time, retain water and slow release it and add nitrogen as it breaks down.  If want something to incorporate into the soil, worm castings are a good choice and go a long way.