RE: Polymer gel

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Lon,

Driwater is different than the polyacrylamide gel I discussed.  Driwater is a gel formed of 98% water and 2% food grade vegetable gum.  Bacteria in the soil slowly breakdown the gel and water is released.  The Driwater product is a closed system in that it is purchased with all the water capacity it will ever have.  The polyacrylamide gel is typically marketed as system that either is absorbing excess water or releasing it, like a sponge.  There is no question that Driwater delivers good results.  Polyacrylamide may or may not work as marketed.

-Mark Lee

-----Original Message-----
From: gardenwriters-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:gardenwriters-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Lon J. Rombough
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2004 12:16 PM
To: Garden Writers -- GWL -- The Garden Writers Forum
Subject: Re: [GWL] Polymer gel

I haven't seen anyone mention the brand of the gel they are using.  I've used Driwater in the field with young grape vines with good results, and Driwater claims to have a different formulation than others.  What are the rest of you using?

 

Had some experience with one of these products on two occasions.  Can't comment on the biodegradability other than it can be very slow.  Had the product in planter boxes and in hanging basket.  In the boxes the material persisted for two full years before becoming inactive.  You need to be careful since the material swells and can push the soil out of containers and pots if not used correctly.  I'd also advise taking a good look at long term weather progs as well.  If the material is added at the beginning of the planting season in ornamental plantings and the season turns or stays wet the soil may remain over saturated.  Obviously it's a different story for indoor applications though whoever does follow up watering needs to know the product is in the soil.