Soil & Plant Health
Segment: Soil & Plant Health
Episode: Spring 2019, Ep02
Presenter: Nigel Ruck
TX Date: 14th September 2019
Soils can become hydrophobic after dry periods, developing a waxy layer that repels water, and it’s important to make sure that you keep your soil healthy.
- When soils become hydrophobic, the water will simply sit on the surface, or simply run off, which will cause your plants to suffer.
- To check for hydrophobia, simply pour some water on your soil, then dig inside to see if the soil is dry below the surface.
- Use a wetting agent, such as Seasol Super Soil Wetter & Conditioner, to bust through the waxy hydrophobic layer. This is quick and easy to use – you can add some concentrate to water in a can or use the 2 litre hose on bottle for larger areas.
- This product will improve water penetration, retain moisture at the root zone, reduce drying of the soil and maximise nutrient uptake.
- The liquid compost will improve and condition the soil, and it contains Seasol to promote healthy root growth and overall plant health.
- Potting mixes are notorious for becoming hydrophobic, so be sure to give your pot plants the full treatment.
- Mix 50ml of Seasol Super Soil Wetter & Conditioner concentrate with 9 litres of water, applying it every 3 to 6 months. For extremely poor soils you can mix in 100ml, applying every 2 weeks until the soil improves.
- Being a liquid, it goes to work immediately. Make sure to wash the mixture off the foliage to avoid burning your plants.
