Adjuvants and Soil Surfactants

Discover more about how surfactants can be applied directly or blended with other nutrient sources to perfectly align with the unique requirements of your crop, region, and specific growing conditions.

What are surfactants?

Surfactants, short for SURFace ACTing AgeNTs, are substances that alter the surface tension of liquids, facilitating their interaction with solids or other liquids. Included in foliar applications, they promote greater coverage of plant foliage to promote maximum uptake of active ingredients, whether they be pesticides or plant nutrients. In irrigation systems, surfactants improve the wetting and penetration of water in the soil by reducing the surface tension of water, allowing it to spread more efficiently throughout the soil and reach plant roots more effectively. This can help with water management, soil hydration, and nutrient distribution in agricultural and landscaping applications.

Is a soil surfactant a wetting agent?

Wetting agents are a category of surfactants that lower the tension of a liquid so hydrophobic soils can absorb water rather than repel it.  When substrates are dry, as they often are with new plantings, or when there is inconsistent watering, a soil surfactant wetting agent will reduce the surface tension of the water. This reduced surface tension increases both the vertical and lateral movement of water in the soil, allowing farmers to improve their water use efficiency.  

The active ingredient is usually a ‘surfactant’, which behaves like a detergent: a long molecule that contains a ‘tail’ and a hydrophilic ‘head’. The head can be positively charged (cationic), negatively charged (anionic), or carry no charge (non-ionic). ICLs soil surfactants are wetting agents that contain the most highly concentrated active ingredients available on the market today, leading the way in water conservation.

Surfactants exhibit different characteristics according to the length of their molecules, and this is often exploited to deliver wetting agents for particular use cases. For example, penetrant wetting agents ensure water percolates down the soil profile. However, most wetting agents are formulated with longer-chain surfactant molecules. These are designed to be residual, remaining within the soil to reduce repellence and improve moisture availability over a longer period. 

How are surfactants applied?

Surfactants are applied in liquid form and can be mixed with pesticides and fertilizers or applied directly to plants and soil. They improve water penetration, nutrient absorption, and chemical distribution, enhancing overall effectiveness. Common application methods include:
• tank mixing
• foliar sprays
• soil drenches
• irrigation water addition

Application methods are chosen based on crop type and desired outcomes. Following manufacturer guidelines ensures optimal results and minimizes negative impacts.

How and when are wetting agents applied? 

Wetting agents can be applied as an initial humectant and during normal irrigation, where they aid the movement of fertilizers. Quickly absorbed by all growing media, our wetting agents are effective throughout the substrates and soil, not just at the surface. Choosing the most advanced wetting agents available optimizes water use efficiency, saves time, and saves energy. Several factors will influence application frequency, including the formulation and the dose. 

Benefits of Soil Surfactant Wetting Agents:  

• Increase penetration of liquid into soil; laterally and vertically 
• Improve water conservation 
• Overcome soil hydrophobicity and soil water repellence 
• Optimize water usage 
• Aids movement of fertilizers, liquid, pesticides and more within the soil 

Why choose surfactants?

Soil surfactants are widely used across the US in diverse agricultural and non-agricultural settings to address various soil and water management challenges and promote efficient use of crop inputs. In agriculture, growers use surfactants to optimize inputs, improve crop yield and quality, minimize environmental impact, and ensure efficient water and nutrient management in their agricultural practices. While every operation varies in how it chooses to integrate adjuvants into its crop management practices, common reasons for surfactant use include:

1.  Improved Water Management: Surfactants help enhance water penetration and distribution in soil, leading to more efficient irrigation and reduced water runoff.
2. Enhanced Chemical Effectiveness: Surfactants improve the efficacy of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers by ensuring better coverage, adhesion, and absorption on plant surfaces or in the soil.
3. Nutrient Uptake: Surfactants facilitate the spread and uptake of nutrients in the soil, promoting better nutrient distribution and uptake by plant roots.
4. Soil Health: Surfactants can improve soil structure, water infiltration, and root growth, contributing to overall soil health and crop productivity.

Can Surfactants Reduce Water Needs in Commercial Agriculture?

Surfactants play a crucial role in reducing water needs in commercial agriculture by enhancing water infiltration and retention in the soil. They lower surface tension, allowing water to penetrate soil more effectively, reaching plant roots efficiently and reducing irrigation requirements. Additionally, surfactants improve soil structure and water retention, prolonging soil moisture retention and decreasing irrigation frequency.

Particularly in regions with arid climates or frequent drought conditions, such as the southwestern US, surfactants are extensively used to conserve water and maintain crop productivity. However, surfactants should be part of a comprehensive water conservation strategy for optimal effectiveness, considering factors like crop selection, irrigation scheduling, and soil type.

ICL’s H2Flo® is an excellent example of a surfactant that can significantly reduce irrigation volumes. Trials show up to 25% water savings, particularly in light soils. This product exemplifies how surfactants can contribute to water conservation while enhancing crop yields in commercial agriculture.

ICL Surfactants

ICL surfactants excel in compatibility and performance. H2Flo® is a liquid surfactant blend designed for enhanced water penetration and soil distribution, reducing surface tension and improving water movement vertically and laterally. Trials show that H2Flo reduces irrigation volume while maintaining or increasing yield. With an industry-leading 88% concentration of active ingredients, H2Flo® enables reduced irrigation, saving water and costs without compromising yield. This sustainable practice also enhances environmental stewardship, with potential yield increases observed in regions with ample water availability.

Soil surfactants  simply help irrigation water go further to move water and fertilizers quickly and efficiently through different soils. Learn more about H2OFlo, ICLs special blend of surfactants with the help of an ICL expert near you.