Why water stops penetrating into lawn soil?

1. Thatch becomes hydrophobic
•     Thatch is the layer of dead roots, stems, and organic matter between the grass and the soil.
•     When it dries out, the waxy compounds in thatch repel water.
•     Water beads on the surface instead of soaking through.
•     This is the most common cause of dry patches.

2. Soil particles develop hydrophobic coatings
•     Over time, organic acids from decomposing material coat soil particles.
•     When these dry, they become water‑repellent.
•     Water runs off rather than infiltrating, even if the soil looks normal.

3. Compaction reduces pore space
•     Foot traffic, mowing, and general use compress the soil.
•     Compacted soil has fewer air pockets, so water:
•     sits on the surface,
•     runs sideways,
•     or only penetrates a few millimetres.

4. Grass roots can form a dense mat
•     Healthy grass is great, but very dense root systems can create a tight surface layer.
•     This slows infiltration, especially in summer when the top layer dries out.

5. Uneven drying creates “dry patch”
•     Once a patch becomes hydrophobic, it stays dry even after rain.
•     Water simply avoids it and moves to wetter areas.
•     This is why some spots stay stubbornly brown while the rest of the lawn is fine.

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💧 Why wetting agents help

Wetting agents (surfactants) work by:
•     Reducing surface tension of water
→ water spreads instead of beading
•     Breaking hydrophobic coatings on soil particles
→ water can re‑enter the soil profile
•     Improving infiltration and distribution
→ moisture moves evenly through the root zone
They don’t “add water” — they allow water to behave normally again.

 

What Are Wetting Agents?

Wetting agents are specialised products designed to help water move more effectively through the soil. They work by reducing the natural surface tension of water, allowing it to spread, soak in, and travel through the soil profile more efficiently.
In simple terms: wetting agents help water go where it’s supposed to go, rather than sitting on the surface or running off.
They are especially valuable in lawns because turf soils—particularly sandy or hydrophobic soils—can develop water‑repellent areas that stop moisture from penetrating properly.

 

Why Are Wetting Agents So Important in Lawn Care?

Wetting agents play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy, resilient lawn. Their benefits include:

1. Preventing and Treating Dry Patch
Dry patch occurs when soil becomes water-repellent. Wetting agents restore the soil’s ability to absorb moisture, ensuring even hydration across the lawn.

2. Improving Water Efficiency
They help water penetrate deeper and more evenly, reducing:
•     Runoff
•     Puddling
•     Wasted irrigation
•     The need for excessive watering
This is especially important during hosepipe bans or drought periods.

3. Supporting Stronger Root Growth
Even moisture distribution encourages deeper, healthier root systems, which leads to:
•     Better drought tolerance
•     Improved nutrient uptake
•     Greater resilience to wear

4. Enhancing Fertiliser Performance
Fertilisers work best when water can carry nutrients into the root zone. Wetting agents ensure that applied products don’t sit on the surface or get washed away.

5. Reducing Stress on the Lawn
Uneven moisture causes patchiness, thinning, and susceptibility to disease. Wetting agents help maintain consistent soil conditions, reducing stress on the turf.

6. Improving Overall Lawn Appearance
A lawn that receives water evenly will:
•     Stay greener for longer
•     Recover faster from heat or wear
•     Look more uniform and healthy