Can Superabsorbent Polymers Cause Over-Watering? 

As a landscaping business owner or nursery owner, it is critical to you that the products you use are safe and will not damage your inventory.

So, when we at Horticultural Alliance discuss the benefits of superabsorbent polymers, we naturally want to be certain that it meets at least both of these criteria. We get it. We wanted to know the same information when we began doing this. So we kept a running bibliography of reference materials on the subject of superabsorbent polymers. With us you can find an extensive list of research sources about their benefits, the science underpinning those benefits and a lot of technical details about their various, useful applications.

 We present to you our superabsorbent polymer, Horta-Sorb®.

Superabsorbent polymers:

•      Hold thousands of times their weight in water

•      Improve drainage

•          Promote root flourish

•     Counter the effects of standing water                                              

Want to know more?    Read on!

Because interest in superabsorbent polymers has steadily been on the rise from a variety of industry sectors; we thought we would devote this post to one of the most common questions we get. We alluded to this in an earlier blog when discussing several of the benefits of superabsorbent polymers and gel polymers; but, because we're such ardent advocates of them, we thought it mutually beneficial for us to revisit the subject.

Can Superabsorbent Polymers Cause Over-Watering?

Over-watering is caused by an over-abundance of water in a root zone. Standing water is the result of poor soil conditions for drainage. Drainage relies upon the particle size of the soil, mix, or gel that composes your plant's root zone.

Superabsorbent polymers, particularly when completely full or hydrated, have large sized particles. In fact, the superabsorbent polymers expand and contract. The expansion and contraction of the superabsorbent polymer between watering 'exercises' the mix, thereby promoting drainage. Therefore, the superabsorbent polymer, Horta-Sorb® will often improve drainage because it permits the grower to move to an extremely well-drained mix - one which he or she wouldn't otherwise be able to utilize without the superabsorbent as an amendment.

Remember, roots grow into the spore space between soil particles. Therefore, the more spore space available in the soil mix means that there is more room for roots to flourish.

That Sounds Almost Too Good To Be True! What About Too Much Spore Space? How Can Superabsorbent Polymers Overcome That?

The problem with lots of spore space is that a mix with a composition lacking density does not hold water.  Think again.  With our superabsorbent polymer , Hort-Sorb, it can hold as much water as you (and maybe more importantly, the plant) want! Plus, you and the plant benefit from the bonus that the roots will grow into a hydrated "nugget" of water!  Horta-Sorb®, Superabsorbent Polymers Do Not Cause Over-Watering.

Still have questions about superabsorbent polymers? Call us!
800-628-6373
941-739-9121

James J. Quinn,

President

Horticultural Alliance

www.horticultural alliance.com

Tags: gel polymers, superabsorbent polymers