What is a wetting agent?
Some soils and growing media are naturally ‘hydrophobic’, which means they repel rather than absorb water. If soil doesn’t retain enough water, plants suffer and yields are reduced. A wetting agent is a product that helps to overcome soil’s hydrophobicity.
The active ingredient of a wetting agent is called ‘surfactant’ and works in the same way as a detergent: it reduces surface tension of water. Based on the length of their molecules, surfactants exhibit different characteristics which enable to formulate wetting agents for particular purposes. For example, penetrant wetting agents ensure water percolates down the soil profile, conservation wetting agents help to retain water in the substrate. However most wetting agents are designed with longer chain surfactant molecules that slowly disintegrate in the soil to reduce repellency and improve moisture availability over a longer period.
ICL’s advanced wetting agents
ICL has dedicated time and efforts to develop the most advanced wetting agents. Its products belong to the latest generation and are specifically designed for the use in agriculture, ornamental horticulture and turf. H2Gro® is a wetting agent developed specifically for the use in hornamental crops. It is mixed into potting substrates to improve water management in pots and containers. If a substrate is moist enough, plant can use 100% of the pot volume for its growth. By good water management without any peaks and deficiencies, growers can save water as well as enhance the effectivity of applied plant nutrition.
Benefits of applying wetting agents
- Improved water retention
- Better nutrient uptake
- Reduced soil erosion and runoff of water/nutrients
- Improved plant growth and disease resistance
2 Brands found
2 Products found
The dual-action formulation of Hydraflo 2 is in an easy-to-use granule form. It deliver immediate action as a topdress application and improved efficacy incorporated in soils and potting mixes over a longer period of time. Hydraflo effectively decreases water surface tension aiding the successful rewetting of soils in dry summer periods, increasing the uniformity of wetting throughout the soil profile. By allowing for better water penetration and absorption, Hydraflo helps grow deeper stronger roots.
Hydraflo L is a liquid soil wetting agent that is safe for use on delicate ornamental flowering plants as it is on turfgrass greens, sportfields and lawns. Apply in advance of expected dry patch formation. Hydraflo L is a polymeric wetting agent that rewets readily after treated soil has been dry for extended periods. Made in Australia for varied condition, both Hydraflo L and 2 assist in overcoming extremes in weather and hydrophobic soil conditions. Available in 20L and 200L.
0 Resources found