Groundbreaking New Research: Hydretain® Enhances Nutrient Uptake

Arborjet | Ecologel Solutions LLC., a leader in plant health and water management solutions is pleased to announce groundbreaking research that demonstrates enhanced nutrient uptake in turfgrass with the use of its flagship brand, Hydretain®. Previous research and observations from years of field use have demonstrated a connection between Hydretain® and plant growth that goes beyond minimizing drought stress. 

According to the study, conducted by Shelby Henning, Ph.D. Western Illinois University, “While numerous studies describe the positive vegetative response of turfgrasses to Hydretain application, none have reported data directly confirming a link between this response and increased nutrient uptake.” This research was undertaken to explore the fertilizer uptake efficiency of turfgrass treated with and without Hydretain®.

The study concludes that under adequate watering conditions, the Hydretain treated cool-season turfgrass reported a 31% increase in plant growth as well as increased macro, secondary and micronutrients values (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Mn & Cu) as compared to controls.

“Since Hydretain® contains very little nutritional value, enhanced growth has been attributed to soil moisture management and suspected increased nutrient efficiency. These findings prove that Hydretain increases nutrient uptake. The results of this study suggest that regular use of Hydretain® as part of an agronomic maintenance program may have significant financial and environmental benefits,” states Jim Spindler, CPAg, CCA, CPSS, Director of Agronomy, Ecologel Solutions, LLC.

Increased nutrient uptake provides greater fertilizer use efficiency. It also assures proper plant nutrition that results in better quality including density and color, therefore promoting healthier plants to tolerate biotic and abiotic stresses. “It indicates a positive influence on soil microbiology creating favorable conditions for improved nutrient cycling. Significantly greater biomass production indicates that turf will more rapidly repair damage due to wear, insect, and disease,” states Spindler.

Additionally, more leaf mass allows for greater photosynthesis providing additional sugars for plant development, and with ornamentals, trees, and shrubs, greater nutrient uptake improves the quality and color of flowers and foliage. In food crops, greater plant nutrient uptake will improve quality and yields. Greater nutrient extraction from the soil also protects the environment from the leaching of nutrients into groundwater and surface waters. “This directly aligns with Arborjet | Ecologel’s mission to foster environmental stewardship, while also conserving water,” adds Ecologel Director of Marketing Sarah Spatola.

About: Ecologelis a long-standing, premier developer and manufacturer of innovative products for water conservation, dust mitigation, plant nutrition, pond and lake management, and protective barrier treatments. In 2018 Ecologel partnered with Arborjet, Inc. to offer an expanded lineup of environmentally responsible plant healthcare products that broaden the expert resources they provide.

Hydretain® is made from a proprietary blend of hygroscopic humectant compounds that act like tiny “water magnets” to attract moisture vapor from the air between soil particles. This vapor would otherwise be unusable by plants and eventually lost to evaporation. Hydretain converts this soil moisture back into a liquid form that plant roots can use. By managing soil moisture between watering cycles and/or rainfall, Hydretain® not only reduces drought stress and frequent watering, but it also provides many other benefits such as increased seed germination, improved sod, and transplant establishment, extended flower life, enhanced nutrient efficiency and maximized crop production. Hydretain® is produced using primarily food-grade ingredients. Effective for all types of ornamental plants, shrubs, trees, turfgrasses, and agriculture, Hydretain is safe to use around children and pets. Hydretain is available in both liquid and granular product options. Each application lasts for up to three months.