www.stma.org August 2016 | SportsTurf 41
IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE
disrupting the hydrophobic supramolecular humic association,
most prevalent in the top one to two centimeters on the soil,
which lead to localized dry spots.
Multi-branched Regenerating Wetting Agents. Most
surfactants have linear molecules. These products have a much
higher molecular weight and multiple branched molecules.
Each branch essentially functions as wetting agent itself.
Surfactants/wetting agents have been demonstrated to
possess many functions in the management of water in and
around turfgrass and other plant systems. When discussing the
maximization of water use efficiencies, these products tackle
the barriers (non-polar coatings in the soil) that prevent water
from moving into and distributing throughout the soil. Research
has shown that surfactants/wetting agents can significantly im-
prove soil moisture content and reduce variability in soil water
content, improving soil moisture uniformity. In addition, they
have been shown to "reduce localized dry spot incidence, allow
for longer periods between irrigation events, and reduce hand
watering in isolated areas."
Surfactants/wetting agents are available in liquid and granular
forms. The amount of water conserved, longevity of the product
and cost may vary based on product type and local conditions.
There are a wide variety of technologies available to help
manage and conserve water. As with pesticide selection, the key
to success is to identify the cause(s) of water challenges. If salts
or bicarbonates are a problem, there are calcium and acid based
treatments. If non-polar soil particle coatings are the challenge,
there are a variety of surfactant/wetting agent solutions for this
condition. If poor water holding capacity is the issue, there are
hygroscopic humectants and polymers.
As a final note, it is advisable to remember to not think
linearly. Often, there is not one single issue with one single
solution. The best solution for the management and conserva-
tion of water may be to combine technologies. A very common
example of this is the combination of hygroscopic humectants
with surfactants technologies. In this situation, the surfactant
will allow water with the hygroscopic humectant to enter and
disperse throughout the soil where hydrophobic non-polar
organic coatings exist. Water can uniformly disperse through-
out the rootzone. Then, the hygroscopic humectant can reduce
evaporative loss for maximum plant water use.
Thinking outside the box and using all tools available gives
turf managers the ability to maximize water use efficiency and
optimize turf and plant performance.
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