Wetting Agents / Surfactants

I was reading in the new issue of Landscape Management about the use of surfactants (or wetting agents). It looks like they would do a great job of keeping a lawn green through the summer.

I have priced them, and the product Lesco-Wet seems to be the product to go with, at 3 applications per year.

Anyone here using these products? How do you like them? And, if a customer does not water at all, will the products still provide good results? (I know darn well that not every lawn care customer could possibly water their lawn properly -- there would not be enough water left to drink!)

 

I have and still use wetting agents.

Honestly 3 apps a year? costly to say the least.

Not everyone needs them and not all turf area. Had a discussion long ago with some friends in the biz about them..............what we came up with and we don't know..............but what would the affects be on the soil structure? repeated use and or long term?

I use them when absolutely necessary and that is the last option.

That was a good article though

 

I used Naiad on the golf course years ago. We had an injector pump it into the irrigation water. I couldn't tell you what the rate was, but a 55 gal drum lasted the season using it once a month. We had a bad localized dry spot condition and the Naiad certainly cleared it up. Also, after heavy rains, the course did not hold water as much as before. We ended up reducing our water output with Naiad. I certainly endorse the use of wetting agents where there are soil related problems, such as LDS and standing water issues.

 

We use wetting agents on our greens at the course. They are the greatest ever. Usually I put some down once every few weeks, and they hold water so much better. I don't have to syringe them near as often.....just wish I could put it on more.

Henry

 

Any adverse effects to the soil and it's structure long term?

If you have been using the agents regularly. Has there been a dependency for them?

 

Actually, we noticed improved soil structure, especially areas that were heavy clay. I don't know of any adverse long term effects. I was there for 8 years and I believe they probably still use it. I can't answer your question as to soil or turf dependency, but I know as a turf manager, I sure depended on it. We had hundreds of casual water hazards after a heavy rain before using it, and after words, virtually none. I did notice that we had less dew on the turf, especially the greens. I suppose one could surmise that less dew would be beneficial in reducing disease outbreaks. In conclusion, I would say that wetting agents, in my situation, were just another tool in the management of turf. HTH.

 

Thanks for the info "mechanic"

I understand why a gold course would use agents. From a residential perspective.............cost factor is prohibitive.......... yes the article did say that it would reduce the need for controls, or the amount of.

With automatic irrigation and water supply not a problem, for me anyway a full program to include wetting agents is not warranted.

Though from your response. It has made me view the use differently and will broaden our approach in using wetting agents in the future.

Again thanks...........

 

Anytime REGULAR irrigation is present, we use this on our sites:
http://www.rootsinc.com/newsportsturf/123.htm

I can't speak enough about it. This won't revive your "fried" lawn- but when you do a few ap's a year YOU notice the difference and so do THEY!
FALL is the BEST time to start the program as the plants will root all WINTER...

 

I use them once a year on my greens and they work well. There are a few agents out there that are really cheap. We also use granular and some liquid agents with acidifiers in it. They work well were needed. Some company's say they will cut watering cost but I haven't seen that with my use.

 

I agree with you on residential turf. I've only seen a couple of lawns that would benefit from wetting agents.