Enhancing Turf with Wetting Agents: A Comprehensive Guide

Wetting agents play a crucial role in managing soil conditions and addressing issues like water repellency, uneven water distribution, and slow infiltration rates. By improving these factors, turf managers can optimize water usage, promote healthier plants, and enhance the overall appearance of lawns and playing surfaces.

TYPES OF WETTING AGENTS

Wetting agents influence soil moisture in various ways, depending on their chemical makeup. These agents are formulated to either improve water penetration, enhance moisture retention or balance both functions. Many are designed with less than 100% active ingredients to facilitate safe irrigation and efficient application.

SOIL PENETRANTS

Designed to ensure rapid water infiltration and distribution, soil penetrants give turf managers better control over soil moisture levels. Typically applied monthly, they can also be used biweekly if needed. Often, these agents are combined with fungicides and other soil health products to maximize distribution within the root zone. Post-application irrigation is recommended to ensure the penetrant and other products work effectively.

MOISTURE RETAINERS

Also known as moisture managers, these agents help maintain soil moisture near the root zone, particularly useful in sandy soils like those in newly constructed greens. Applied weekly at low rates, retainers keep the top few inches of soil moist during dry spells. This low-rate, frequent application strategy, combined with foliar nutrients, offers flexibility to adjust to varying rainfall.

HYBRID WETTING AGENTS

Hybrid formulations combine penetrant and retainer surfactants, promoting both water penetration and moisture retention. These hybrids are typically used on tees and fairways, with application rates ranging from 1 to 3 gallons per acre. On putting greens, hybrids are beneficial for maintaining water distribution while reducing the need for labor-intensive hand watering.

Wetting agents with less than 100% active ingredients are cost-effective and can be applied via irrigation systems or ground sprayers. When injected into irrigation systems, these agents can treat large areas efficiently, provided the system is functioning properly. For ground applications, these agents are often used with foliar nutrients, fungicides, and growth regulators, applied at rates of 1-3 fl oz per thousand square feet.

THE IMPACT OF FLEET100® WETTING AGENT

Wetting agents like Fleet100® have been shown to enhance plant health, which is visible in improved turf color and quality and reduced dry spots. Although less frequently measured, below-ground benefits are equally significant.

In a 2022 study by Dr. Xunzhong Zhang at Virginia Tech University, the effects of Fleet100® on turf quality, physiological fitness, and root growth were examined under summer stress conditions. The study was conducted on creeping bentgrass at the Virginia Tech Turfgrass Research Center. Treatments included a fertilized control, and Fleet100 applied at 5 fl oz/1000 sq ft/month.

STUDY HIGHLIGHTS:

• Turf Quality: Noticeable improvement began 22 days after the initial Fleet100 application and continued throughout the trial.
• Leaf Color: Enhanced leaf color was observed from June 22 to August 31.
• Chlorophyll and Proline Levels: Increased chlorophyll content was recorded from July 6 to August 31.
• Root Biomass and Viability: Fleet100 significantly boosted root biomass and viability compared to the control.

CONCLUSION

Monthly application of Fleet100® at 5 fl oz/1000 sq ft improves turf quality, leaf color, chlorophyll content, root biomass, and viability, starting around three weeks post-treatment.

For more information on wetting agents and to explore Harrell’s full range of products, contact your local Harrell’s Representative or visit their product catalog.