Page 22 - Griffin Gazette Issue 2 - 2019

WATER DISTRIBUTION IN MEDIA:

A Fundamental Key to Successful Plant Growth H2Pro can be used in several
different scenarios:
By Fred Hulme, Ph.D., T&O wet-up, spread-ability and re-wetting
Technical Service, ICL Specialty of mixes. H2Pro can maximize water • Prevent drying of overhead
Fertilizer, fred.hulme@icl-group.com holding capacity, reduce or eliminate hanging baskets where light and
dry spots for the entire crop cycle and
Water quality and quantity are key facilitate drainage in the root zone. It temperatures are higher.
factors in successful containerized crop provides superior long-term performance • Re-wet old hydrophobic growing
production. Irrigation water supports through repeated wetting and drying media and restore the maximum
important functions in plant culture such cycles (especially if applied at the high water holding capacity of the mix.
as: wilt prevention and cooling plants rate) fighting poor wet out, channeling Growing media companies may
during high temperatures, warming and excess drying of plant media. apply a surfactant at blending; but
plants during near frost events, and to they can break down over time
deliver nutrients and other components By better managing water with a especially after long storage.
in soluble forms to the plant roots. When quality surfactant, a grower can cut
water is limiting there can be major down on total water usage (> 20% per • Apply to outdoor areas – fall mums,
disruptions leading to poor quality plants some published reports), reduce other perennials, etc. where heat, drought
and even crop failure. production outputs (fertilizer, pesticides, stress is more likely.
PGRs) by preventing wastage through • Apply to containerized nursery stock
A good quality growing media is critical over-leaching, alleviating wilt stress and where summer temperatures can
to balancing water holding capacity, reduce shrinkage at retail. create drought stress. Helps evenly
aeration and drainage needed to grow distribute water, makes rewetting
good plants. Factors that negatively H2Pro comes in both liquid and granular easier and reduces water use overall.
impact media are: using very dry peat, forms for flexibility of application. Applied
wood fiber, bark that contains saprophytic at higher rates, H2Pro will manage water • Apply before weather forecasts of
fungi that repel water, old dried-out mix, in plant containers extensively. At the extended drought, high temperature
compacted mix from filling, pre-filled pots highest rate, activity can persist up to or heavy rainfalls.
laid out on benches to dry out as well 12 months. • Use in a program to reduce irrigation
as high temperatures, heavy rains, and frequency and duration of irrigation
inconsistent water applications. H2Pro Liquid is low foaming and highly cycles where water supply is limiting.
compatible in tank mixes and stays in
Some growing mixes are supplied with solution at cooler water temperatures. It • Apply H2Pro Surfactant before
a “starter” surfactant that will aid in initial can be applied as a continuous treatment shipping. This can dramatically
wetting of the media that usually depletes (low concentration) in the irrigation/ extend the onset of permanent
within a couple of weeks and leaves the fertigation system, as misting agent over wilting when irrigation is sub-optimal
growing media susceptible to drying and freshly stuck cuttings, or as a continuous during shipping and at retail.
shrinking. It is important to supply an overhead watering application. Also you
additional surfactant to the media with can add it as a one-time application More information is available online
enough longevity to sustain the crop to incorporated into planting media or apply on the ICL Specialty Fertilizer website
the end of the production cycle. a one-time drench to potted plants (high at: https://icl-sf.com/us-en/explore/
concentration). surfactants/
This is where H2Pro™ Greenhouse
and Nursery Surfactant can assist. H2Pro Granular has the same active Image: Hanging baskets especially in the
H2Pro is a unique blend of today’s most ingredients and benefits as the liquid. retail environment are often subjected to
advanced wetting agent surfactants. It is H2Pro Granular can be incorporated into heat/ drought stress. An H2Pro Surfactant
specifically designed for peat/ bark/ coir/ the growing media before planting or application can mitigate this stress and help
wood-based growing media to improve applied as a topdress. avoid expensive.

22 | GRIFFIN GAZETTE 2019