Wetting Agents / Surfactants

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?

Originally posted by GLAN
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?

Click to expand...

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.

Originally posted by GLAN
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...........

Click to expand...

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

We use a product called Aqua Save from Continental Research Cooperation on our recreational fields. The soil has a high clay content, and in the past, water would run across the surface after even a moderate rain. We've been limited to one application in early summer because of field use, but even that seems to have improved conditions. We are looking to increase our usage on those fields and add some areas to be treated.

Surfactants and wetting agents are just part of the toolbox. They are not magic bullets. Use the right tool for the job. I use Primer whenever necessary on any account, and have used wetting agents for 15 years when needed. Use it for hydrophobic soil in my own yard, to help wet heavily thatched turf, and to treat localized dry spots.

If you want to get technical about the mode of wetting agents, try this article.

Thanks for the link GroundKprs

Bob, that picture is a great sales pitch, thanks. Sold me......