How it works
How the soil conditioner works
An eco-friendly polymer: hydrophilic groups bind water, and in water the polymer forms long, highly charged chains.
The problem
Degraded soil cannot hold water or nutrients
Years of over-use (heavy chemical fertilizer, continuous cropping without rotation) degrade soil. Its structure breaks down, it holds less water and fertilizer, and yield and quality decline.
The traditional fix is organic manure, but it is slow: one study found that 45 tonnes per hectare every year raised soil organic matter only from 0.9% to 1.3% after nine years. A soil conditioner improves structure within a short time.
Five functions
What happens in the soil
Holds more water in the soil
The conditioner swells as it takes up water, raising the soil's water-holding capacity so less irrigation is needed.
Cuts evaporation and salt build-up
It weakens the pull that drives evaporation, so less water and less salt rise to the surface. The effect is strongest in arid and semi-arid regions.
Improves infiltration and aeration
Long polymer chains bind loose particles into aggregates, keeping pores open so water and air move through the soil.
Keeps nutrients in the root zone
The aggregates hold nutrients in place, so more of the fertilizer applied is actually used by the crop.
Raises yield and crop quality
Better water, nutrient and air conditions support stronger root growth, which shows up as higher yield and quality.
Application
Simple to apply, low input, quick results
Typical rate: 3 kg per mu, which is 45 kg/ha or about 40 lb/acre. On dry, low-retention soils, up to 4 kg per mu (60 kg/ha, about 53 lb/acre). One application keeps working for at least three years.
Banding
Placed in the seed furrow at planting; can be mixed with seed or fertilizer.
Broadcast and incorporate
Spread evenly on the surface and worked into the plough layer.
Planting hole
Mixed with soil around the roots when planting seedlings or shrubs.
Root dip and seed coating
For the water-retaining polymer: make a gel at 1:100 to 1:200 polymer to water.
Good practice
Getting the most from it
- Place it where most roots are, so plants can draw on the stored water.
- Mix thoroughly with soil; concentrated pockets can hold too much water.
- It stores water, it does not make it: in long dry spells, irrigate every 25–30 days.
- More is not better. Balance water retention against cost.
Tell us about your soil and crop
Our technical team will recommend a product and rate for your soil, climate and planting method.