Hydrogel affects many things in our crops. See our brochure featuring the benefits of using AQUATIC hydrogel depending on the type of crop.
 

AQUATIC Growth and Root are characterized by one of the highest absorbencies on the market for demineralized water – even over 500 ml/1 g. Hydrogel in soil and during hydration with water, e.g. tap water – reduces its absorbency. This is related to the storage of not only water but also micro and macro elements in the hydrogel crystals. Thanks to the high initial absorbency, the decrease in absorbency in the soil is smaller than in the case of competitive hydrogels. We do not recommend using very hard water for irrigation, which contains a lot of magnesium and calcium ions – these elements have the strongest effect on the absorbency of the hydrogel.
 

We can apply the hydrogel manually or using available agricultural machines.

The type of machinery depends on the choice of application method and on which crops we use it.

Example machines are shown in brochure in the knowledge base.

The difference lies in the composition, purpose and method of application.

Aquatic Growth :

Granular superabsorbent with high absorption capacity – 400-500ml of demineralized water per 1g of product. Ensures optimal soil moisture conditions. Plants will not experience water stress both in the rooting phase of seedlings and during growth and yielding. Product with a wide range of applications.

Where can it be used?

The product can be used in many areas, both in professional large-scale production and in home hobby cultivation.

Aquatic Growth can be used in:

growing vegetables,

• fruit production,
• cultivation of cereals and agricultural plants,
• production of ornamental plants and flowers
• planting urban greenery
• laying lawns
• allotment gardening, hobby
• creating flower beds, potted flowers as an addition to substrates
• hydroseeding and land reclamation
• Dosage method of application The product is used:

– in the soil – in rows of plants or on the entire cultivated field,

– for mixing with the substrate/base,

– directly under the plant being planted

Aquatic Root

A powdery hydrogel with anti-caking additives that, when hydrated, creates a pulp that surrounds the root ball. The product is an excellent carrier for mycorrhizal fungi and symbiotic bacteria.

Where can it be used?

The obtained hydrogel pulp facilitates:

storage and transportation of seedlings,

• forest plantings,
• orchard plantings,
• planting ornamental plants, trees and shrubs,
• nursery production
• development of green areas.
• Doses, method of application

1kg per 100-200l of water – prepare a pulp of the desired consistency for dipping the roots
 

Studies have shown that the hydrogel has no effect on the growth and development of soil microorganisms.
 

Hydrogel shrinks as it releases water to plants, causing gaps in the soil where air can get in. By repeatedly increasing and decreasing its volume, it improves the soil structure, loosening and aerating it. This is an advantage especially in heavy and compact soils.

In the case of sandy and loose soils – hydrogel increases their water capacity and improves compactness.

There are publications available on the impact of hydrogels (different ones) on soil structure.

Yes. Hydrogel can be used for all groups of plants, in hobby and large-scale cultivation.

We can use it directly under the plant being planted or mix it with the substrate we use to fill the pots.

AQUATIC Growth and Root are hygroscopic agent – it cannot be exposed to moisture. It will not lose its properties, but it will clump under the influence of moisture and its use (even distribution in the soil) will be difficult. Exposure to direct sunlight may cause the product to lose its color – which is only an aesthetic aspect, it does not affect the quality.

We recommend storing it in a tightly closed container, in a dry place and not exposed to UV radiation.

Superabsorbents produced by AQUATIC are potassium polyacrylate. Such hydrogels are characterized by better retention, they easily give water to plants. The developed production process allows to obtain a hydrogel that is safe for the environment and brings effects – a hydrogel dedicated to plant production.

There are many hydrogels available on the market which are chemically sodium polyacrylate. These hydrogels can be characterized by high absorbency, but their ability to release water to the plant is limited. The most popular sodium hydrogels are used in the hygiene industry or as technical hydrogels. Sodium hydrogels have less application in the agricultural sector due to their limited water release. An additional disadvantage is the presence of sodium ions, which cause salinization of the substrate.

Other hydrogels available on the market are hydrogels in the production of which the raw material acrylamide is used. Acrylamide is a carcinogenic raw material – its trace amounts may remain in the final product – it can get into the soil, plants.

When establishing new facilities – mixing with the soil layer 8-14g/m2

On existing facilities – injection

For AQUATIC Growth and Root we have a marketing authorization as a soil improvement agent. The authorization was issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Poland – it is accepted in European Union countries. AQUATIC Organic has certification from Austria, also accepted in European Union countries.

Yes, hydrogel has the ability to store nutrients contained in the soil solution – supplied by the use of fertilizers. This allows for more efficient use of fertilizers – there is no washing out or flushing of nutrients into the soil. Fertilizers are available to plants for longer. Using Aquatic allows you to reduce fertilizer doses by about 30% by retaining nutrients within the plant root system.

Hydrogel has the ability to absorb water and soil solution. It works immediately after use – if it is in a humid, wet environment. In order for the crystals to store water – it must be supplied to the soil. We recommend that after using the hydrogel, the plant be abundantly watered – to supply water to the hydrogel crystals.

Of course.

It does not matter what irrigation system is used. The more precise the irrigation system, the better for the entire crop. In any case, we will see the effects and the hydrogel will catch the water from the irrigation. Drip irrigation is the most precise – thanks to it, there are the smallest water losses – the hydrogel will provide additional benefits and will allow you to limit the frequency or reduce the amount of water used for irrigation. It must be remembered that after using the hydrogel, it will be necessary to water the crop more abundantly – so that the crystals can store water in themselves.

Of course.

It does not matter what irrigation system is used. The more precise the irrigation system, the better for the entire crop. In any case, we will see the effects and the hydrogel will catch the water from the irrigation. Drip irrigation is the most precise – thanks to it, there are the smallest water losses – the hydrogel will provide additional benefits and will allow you to limit the frequency or reduce the amount of water used for irrigation. It must be remembered that after using the hydrogel, it will be necessary to water the crop more abundantly – so that the crystals can store water in themselves.

Hydrogel creates optimal conditions for seed germination. It has an indirect effect on germination – it improves soil water conditions, retains moisture longer, and limits its drying out. Therefore, we can observe better and/or faster seed germination in soil enriched with hydrogel.

It is important to remember that hydrogel stores water and nutrients.

Hydroponic cultivation – soilless – has strictly controlled conditions – primarily the concentration of nutrients in the irrigation medium and in the substrate (mineral wool or coconut).

It is necessary to check whether the use of hydrogel will still allow control of the composition of the fertilizing medium. Additionally, the hydrogel would have to be placed in a mineral wool substrate – already at the stage of production of such a substrate.
 

We have not come across any studies showing that hydrogel has a significant impact on changes in soil pH.

It may temporarily and slightly change the pH – by changing the composition of the soil solution, taking up and releasing components – but this is the natural dynamics of soil processes.

Hydrogel can be used directly when planting plants or sowing seeds, or we can use it during soil preparation in the field. It is important that the hydrogel is located near the root system of the plants – it must be covered or mixed with the soil.

We apply all our products into the soil.

We can use hydrogels in dry form (Aquatic Growth) or hydrated form (Aquatic Root).

Main methods of applying Aquatic Growth:

– on the entire field by mixing with the soil

– in a row of plants – mixing or covering with soil

– directly into the hole under the plant being planted

– mixing with the substrate – substrate for filling pots Aquatic Root application: first we prepare the hydrogel pulp, which we then use

– to surround the root system of seedlings

– directly into the plant hole

– for injection

Hydrogel has the ability to store nutrients in its crystals.

In the case of biostimulants, growth-enhancing substances, microbiological preparations, it is possible to combine them with the Aquatic Root product. We will obtain a hydrogel pulp enriched with an appropriate additive – thanks to this, the application of the agent will be easier and more effective and it will be located directly on the roots of the plant. The hydrogel pulp obtained from Aquatic Root is an ideal carrier for bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi.

To be sure if the products are compatible, you should perform tests – combine both products (in small quantities) and add water. If you observe degradation of the hydrogel crystals – it means that it is better not to combine the products directly (the hydrogel’s action is inhibited).

Each additive will affect the absorbency of the Aquatic product. The absorbency of the hydrogel will decrease because, in addition to water, it stores other components. Elements such as Ca or Mg greatly limit the absorbency of the hydrogel and cause its degradation, which is why we do not recommend directly combining the hydrogel with such fertilizers or additives.

Saline or alkaline soil contains many minerals, e.g. Mg, Na, K, Cl. Some elements greatly limit the absorption of the hydrogel – e.g. Mg and Ca, others have a smaller effect on the hydrogel. It should be remembered that soil salinity will affect the absorption of the hydrogel – it will be lower in such soils. In special cases – a large amount of Mg, Ca ions can cause faster degradation of the hydrogel crystals.

Hydrogel can be used on such soils – we recommend higher doses, but its effect may be limited.

Products from the Aquatic line are safe and non-toxic to the environment. Hydrogels have biodegradability confirmed by tests from an accredited laboratory. Biodegradation is the decomposition of hydrogel by soil microorganisms into simple, non-toxic compounds.

Additionally, hydrogels have a certified study on the impact on soil microorganisms. The study was conducted by the IBWCH laboratory in Łódź (currently Łukasiewicz Research Network) and consisted in determining the growth of soil microorganisms in the presence of AQUATIC Growth. The study showed that AQUATIC Growth does not affect the growth and development of soil microorganisms, does not limit their growth.

Our products do not contain heavy metals in their composition, which is confirmed by tests carried out by the Research and Certification Center in Piła.

In order to confirm the most important parameters of our products, tests were carried out by an external laboratory of the Institute of Biopolymers and Chemical Fibres in Łódź (currently Łukasiewicz Research Network). The tests were carried out using accredited methods or those compliant with European standards. Thanks to this, we have confirmation of such parameters as: absorbency for demineralized water and physiological saline, content of free acrylic acid monomer, biodegradability of the product, impact on soil microorganisms, retention and its hydrophysical properties.

All offered products have current PZH certificates (issued by the National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene). The most important documents confirming the quality of the product include the marketing authorization obtained by the company, issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
 

From a chemical point of view, Aquatic hydrogels are polymers – compounds with a high molecular structure. Our products are cross-linked potassium polyacrylate. Thanks to the appropriate ingredients, additives and production technology, we obtain a hydrogel that stores and releases water to plants.

Aquatic Growth product – is a 100% hydrogel cross-linked with potassium polyacrylate with appropriate grain size

Aquatic Root – is a mixture of hydrogel (cross-linked potassium polyacrylate) and anti-caking ingredients (citric acid, potassium carbonate).
 

Hydrogel is a substance that is able to absorb and store very large amounts of liquid relative to its mass. In contact with water, the product absorbs it and swells to form “gel crystals”. The line of hydrogels produced by our company is characterized by the ability to absorb and then release water to plants, thanks to which our products can be used in natural applications.

Our hydrogels have the ability to retain water. Retention is the ability to collect water and soil solution, hold them for a longer period of time, and then gradually give them back to the plant as needed. The cycle of water/soil solution absorption and release by hydrogel crystals can be repeated tens of thousands of times.

Hydrogel increases the water capacity of the soil – it is able to retain larger amounts of water. It limits water losses caused by evaporation and natural seepage into a layer inaccessible to plants. Water is locked in hydrogel crystals – the plant first takes water from the soil and then “reaches” for storage in the hydrogel crystals.
 

The dose used depends on type of soil and the climate …..