PLANT PROTECTION 1 – Pests, Diseases and Weeds

PLANT PROTECTION 1 – Pests, Diseases and Weeds
Table. 71. Leaf anti-transpirants, soil wetting agents, water storage some examples
contd
TYPE THE PRODUCT SOME USES
Trade name
Active constituent
Read label, obtain advice from company
SOIL WATER
STORAGE
Water-storing crystals, granules or gels are designed to increase/improve the water-holding capacity
of the soil, so that more water is held for plant use. They are biodegradable.
Water storage crystals are made of polymers that are designed to absorb up to
400-500 times their weight in water and nutrients, slowly releasing these to the root system
when needed by the plant.
They increase the water holding capacity of the soil, reduce watering frequency by
up to 50%, reduce water evaporation from soil, limit the leaching of nutrients and fertilizers,
enhance plant growth and survival and improve soil porosity and aeration.
During rain or irrigation, water is absorbed by the crystals, so water is prevented
from draining away and being lost. As water is needed the plants will tap into the hydrated
crystals and is used over time. Some brands can remain active for 3-5 years and the cycle of
water absorption and release can be repeated many times with only a very slight loss in
efficiency.
They can be applied in planting holes and water added before planting, can also be dug into
surrounding soil. They can be put in a bucket and pre-swelled then placed in the planting hole
beneath the root ball. More effective than applying crystals directly (Nichols 2007).
Rechargeable solid water are
names. In forestry they can be used when planting trees, bushes and saplings reducing their
mortality rate due to transplant shock and enhance root development, resulting in more rapid
growth etc. http://www.rechargeablesolidwater.com/introduction.htm
Soil humectant compounds attract and/or retain moisture in soil, they work by reducing
moisture loss and attracting water vapour back. These compounds are very hydrophobic, this
makes them suited for reducing water losses from sandy soils. Humectants have soil wetting
properties but do not perform as well as soil surfactants in this role. They tend to move slowly in
the soil and so concentrate in the first few centometres of soil profile. Addition of surfactants to
the formulation helps overcome this problem. Advantages they have over soil wetting agents is
their very low burn potential and ability to convert water into water that the plant can use (Leeson
2009).
Formulations of water crystals and fertilizers are now available.
YATES WATER STORAGE
CRYSTALS
acrylic polymer
When added to potting mix or garden soil, crystals absorb up to
400 times their own weight in water. This water is then released
back to the plants over time as they require it. The crystals
reduce water wastage, increase the time between waterings and
promote improved plant survival during dry times. The crystals are
effective for up to 5 years, then biodegrade harmlessly.
SANOPLANT GRANULES
Silicate-based natural stone
powders to which is added high
resistible carbon compounds
and special cellulose. Not a
"polymer", or "water crystal".
www.sanoway.co.au/
A granular soil amendment/conditioner which stores water and
nutrients and promotes healthy plant growth.
It improves the storage of water and nutrients in any type of soil
but is most effective in sandy soils, particularly for use in arid
regions.
It can rapidly absorb and hold rainfall, can hold 16 times its own
weight of water which is plant available (held under moderate
tension).
Can be installed into existing playing fields using specially
modified machines.
About 50% of irrigation water can be saved!
Renders any fertilizer use more effective.
OTHER SYSTEMS
Solid water
406 Non-parasitic pests and diseases