Wetting Agent Effects on Root- zone Moisture Distribution under Various Irrigation Regimes

It is not clear how various wetting agent products affect moisture distribution throughout sand-based putting green rootzones. The objective of this research was to determine how localized dry spot (LDS) incidence, and soil moisture values and uniformity were affected by the application of five commercially available wetting agents. Wetting agents were applied during the 2008 growing season and evaluated under conditions of frequent, moderate, and infrequent irrigation application. All of the wetting agents tested in this study significantly reduced LDS formation compared to the untreated control. In addition, none of the wetting agents significantly increased soil moisture values during periods of frequent or moderate irrigation. All wetting agent products significantly increased soil moisture uniformity at a 3inch depth compared to the untreated turf. These results suggest that specific wetting agents can be used to manage LDS without adversely affecting rootzone moisture distribution.