Story: Hydrophobic soil
Episode: 6
Presenter: Nigel Ruck
Air Date: 9th September

Nigel is digging in the soil, like he is always is, when he realises he has another challenge to tackled - Hydrophobic soil.

• Hydrophobia starts when organic matter breaks down and leaves a waxy coating on the soil particles that repels water. This can be a natural phenomina as well as one man made. The release of plant oils and fungal activity are also causes.
• Wetting agents come in granular form and faster acting liquids and they’re not expensive. Many wetting agents, including Seasol Hose-On Super Soil Wetter and Conditioner, actually can be attached to your hose to pump out with your regular watering.
• Wetting agents work like a detergent, breaking through the surface tension and waxiness similar to dishwashing detergent but at the same time different.
• If you have sloping ground, the rain and water are will run off and not penetrate into the soil, building retaining walls and terracing to level out the ground will help get the water where it’s needed.