What is it?
It is a biodegradable potassium based super absorbent polymer which acts as a soil conditioner and water reservoir. This product is commonly used during planting. It comes in powder form and it is mixable with substrates, soils, microbes, humic acids and a broad variety of fertilizers. At planting the gel in mixed with water and added into the planting hole during planting. Application rates vary (e.g. 2l water and 2g hydrogel) based on prevailing soil conditions. Even though planting gels are used in forestry applications, other industries such as agriculture and horticulture also use them.
What it does?
It can absorb water up to 300 times its own weight and keep it within under moderate pressure conditions. It retains water used during planting or irrigation and limits the leaching of nutrients and fertilizers added at planting. Furthermore, it increases soil moisture retention capabilities by producing small water pockets until the roots of seedlings can access it. In some research studies, hydrogels have been found to increase survival and growth trees.
For more information visit i-cat
