Re: DriWater

**N* S* <N*@PlantSoup.Com>**

Not polymers but a really really great product.  

Its a cellulosic gel that is used primarily by people who do restoration in inaccessible habitat areas.  

The gel comes packaged in several ways, one of which is a biodegradable cardboard milk carton type package.  Inside it is filled with the gel.  

In the field, as plants are set into the planting holes, the people doing the planting simply tear out the bottom of the cardboard container and put it vertically into the planting hole, adjacent to the root ball (they probably dig the hole a little wider than usual).  

The moisture in the gel slowly releases into the root ball over a long time period, 3 months more or less depending on soil moisture (i.e. slower in the cooler months, faster in the hotter, drier months).  The cardboard degrades.  Plants become established without having to install a full irrigation system which is often impossible in remote locations.

For our gardens, there's a slightly different setup that involves a plastic tube that gets installed into or adjacent to the planting hole with a few inches protruding above the soil.  You "pour" a slug of the gel,  (the consistency reminds me of tunicates) and over time, it releases its moisture into the root ball to help the plants become established.  the plastic tube is permanent so you can add more gel if it dissipates before the plant is established.  Once it is established,  you can move the tube to a new plant.

I've been working with this stuff for a couple years now so I have a pretty good grasp on it.  Email me if you want more info.

Nan

On May 22, 2012, at 1:04 PM, Mary Ann Newcomer wrote:

> Folks,
> 
> I just heard about this product. What can you tell me? Polymers in
> disguise? No? Thanks. Mary Ann
> 
> http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_lawn-garden?_encoding=UTF8&node=2972638011&field-brandtextbin=DriWater%2C%20Inc.
> 
> -- 
> www.gardensofthewildwildwest.com
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