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It is important to remember that grass can’t store water. There has been much research into technologies that could help to keep moisture at the root zone (without keeping things too wet, promoting fungal disease/root rot).
Polymer technology (think Orbeez or the powder in diapers) have been investigated over the years, but have not been found to be effective.
New Moisture Management technology using food grade, organic-based hygroscopic and humectant ingredients has been shown in university studies to reduce watering by 50% by drawing soil moisture to the root zone before it evaporates or drains down through gravity. This product is called Hydretain. (It was actually originally created to use on the roads of the outback in Australia. During a drought, dust clouds were significant on dirt mine roads. The hydretain was a great solution to conserve water, protect vehicle engines and maintain visibility).
They sent me a sample of the powder in a small bottle. If I place a small amount on my desk… in a few minutes, it “pulls” moisture from the air and I have a little puddle on my desk. In humid conditions, this is very quick, but on drier days, it can take longer.
University of Illinois Moisture Management Research (https://www.thelandonline.com/news/nuts_bolts/new-university-of-illinois-research-shows-hydretain-results-go-far-beyond-significant-water-savings/article_37aefae0-9214-11e6-b47a-772b8a0244ec.html)
Hydretain – How it Works/Science (https://www.hydretain.com/the-science/)
Hyrdetain Research (https://www.hydretain.com/research/)
Once applied and watered into the root zone, Hydretain’s hygroscopic and humectant components attached to plant root hairs, drawing moisture vapor from the soil like tiny water magnets. It then converts that moisture vapor into water droplets, allowing plants to take up more moisture and assisting in the uptake of nutrients.
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