Q. Why are wetting agents often ineffective in treating localized dry spots?
Localized dry spots (LDS) are caused by poor penetration of water through thatch layers and hydrophobic soil. Most surfactants are designed to treat soil, but are not efficient in treating the thatch layer itself. This layer often remains hydrophobic causing uneven water movement and LDS.
TriCure addresses the cause of LDS by treating both thatch and soil.
Q. Why do some wetting agents discolor and burn grass?
High rates of nonyl phenols, alkyl phenols, and alcohol’s contained in many surfactants can cause cell damage. Some surfactants dissolve cuticle / wax layers on the leaf blades causing discoloration and burning.
TriCure contains no harmful chemicals that can cause turf burn.
Q. Should wetting agents be applied at higher rates with fewer applications, or more frequent, lower rate applications?
Monthly applications are normally preferable as they allow for more even and balanced retention in the soil. Using higher rates can have the benefit of reducing the number of applications, but are not always effective over longer periods due to soil type and climatic conditions. Additionally, higher rates with some surfactants carry the increased risk of turf burn if not properly applied.
TriCure applications are recommended monthly, but can be safely applied at higher rates to reduce application frequency without the risk of burning.
Q. Can I tank mix insecticides, fungicides, and / or fertilizers with wetting agents to allow easier application?
Variations in product chemistries used with any surfactant can cause problems when mixed in combinations with other chemicals making it impossible to guaranty compatibility. Field-testing should be done before tank mixing 2 or more chemicals not specifically designed to work together.
Although TriCure has shown in the field to be compatible with most common herbicides and fungicides, it is recommended that TriCure not be mixed with other products unless field-testing is first done to assure compatibility.
Q. Are wetting agents designed to help soils retain water or to drain excess water?
Wetting agents are designed to reduce the surface tension of water, and help water move evenly through soil profiles. Not all wetting agents act effectively to help drainage. In fact, use of some surfactants can result in too much moisture held in the soil.
The chemistry in TriCure supports optimal conditions for both water retention and drainage.
Q. Why does the use of soil surfactants occasionally cause excessive water retention in turf root zones?
Differences in surfactant chemistries can have varying effects on performance based on soil and climatic conditions. Formulations with dominant penetrant capabilities can move too much water away from the root zone. Others sacrifice water movement to increase water retention, often sealing excessive moisture in the upper layers of soil profiles. The right combination affecting penetration, infiltration, and distribution are needed to optimize moisture around soil and organic particles to achieve correct water movement.
TriCure is formulated to optimize moisture content by engineering water movement vertically and horizontally. This allows the required amount of water to retain around the surface of the soil particles, while draining excess water.
Q. Is it necessary to water-in immediately after application of a wetting agent?
With all surfactants, regular irrigation after application will help in washing the surfactant off the leaf blades and into the soil. Depending on the chemistries, many surfactants also need extensive watering to prevent burning. Delay in irrigation or watering with these surfactants can cause burning within hours after application due to certain toxicants present.
