Hydrophobic soils and potting mediums can create havoc for the grower or gardener when irrigation water is repelled from the area they are trying to hydrate, or the water moves straight through the soil profile and is lost to run off.

Water repellent soils are formed from the decomposition of hydrophobic (or water repelling) waxy materials originating from plant residues that can coat soil particles preventing the infiltration of water into the soil profile. Soils with a small surface area (e.g. sand) are more prone to water repellence, as it takes less hydrophobic material to coat individual particles, compared to silt or clay. Potting mediums also suffer from this phenomenon as most contain a large percentage of incompletely composted organic matter.

Many plants, natives and even soil fungi can contribute to hydrophobic soils and is most prevalent in sandy soils.

Hydrophobic soils can be improved by various methods including, increasing the clay content in sandy soils & incorporation of properly composted material into the top 10cms of the soil. Additions of beneficial microbes will also help break down the waxy material and benefit the soil overall.

A common way to improve soils & mediums is to apply a surfactant that will reduce the surface tension of the water, helping to penetrate the soil and to disperse the water evenly through the soil or medium.

Note:- Wetting agents should not be applied to mulch. Research¹ has show that it is best to allow mulch to be water repellent so water passes through to the underlying soil and so that water is not drawn up to the mulch, by capillary action, to be lost to evaporation.

Soil Soaker™ is your eco friendly soil wetter for those soils and potting mediums that get hydrophobic in dry conditions. The-100% biodegradable surfactants enable water to penetrate the profile while the natural organic humates condition the soil, feed microbes, help retain water and hydrate the plant. A must for dry, sandy soil, gardens and turf

BENEFITS

Saves water overall

Added Humates conditions Soils

Helps retain moisture

Excellent for dry patch on turf

Improves water penetration

Improves uniform distribution of water

100% biodegradable

Cost Effective concentrated formula

Suitable for all soils & potting mediums.

APPLICATION RATES:-

SHAKE WELL BEFORE USE - APPLY WITH EQUIPMENT THAT GIVES EVEN COVERAGE.

WATER IN WELL AFTER APPLYING

Min Dilution 1:100

10mL per 1L of water per square metre. Suitable for soil, lawns, gardens, pots and potting medium.

Can be Applied fortnightly in beginning or when required.

Soil Wetter is a liquid that you mix with water and water into soil before mulching. It can be used in the Birchy (Setting 1.0)