The Science of Hydretain

The Hydretain technology is good science with exceptional results.

Science should strengthen sustainability & improve our lives

Hydretain is a revolutionary chemistry for root zone moisture management that is good for both your plants and the environment.

Hydretain is a completely different concept for root zone moisture management

Hydretain is not another wetting agent, surfactant or super absorbent polymer crystal. It is actually a liquid group of hygroscopic and humectant components that attracts moisture. In other words, by acting like tiny “water magnets,” they form microscopic droplets within the root zone. As a result, this process allows plants to utilize soil moisture which would otherwise be lost to evaporation. Now that’s good science.

For a complete listing of Hydretain videos, visit our Hydretain YouTube Channel.

This simple animated video explains how Hydretain works and its benefit to plants, soil and roots

Microscope footage using one of Hydretain’s primary hygroscopic compounds. The crystals are literally pulling moisture from the surrounding air, aggregating vapor into liquid water.

Reducing evaporative loss is key

The science behind Hydretain - evaporation, gravity, transpiration process

When water is applied through rainfall or irrigation, a huge percentage is never utilized by the plant. This is primarily due to the forces of gravity pulling moisture back to the aquifer and evaporation pulling moisture into the atmosphere. While we can do little about gravity, we can reduce evaporative loss. 

As soils dry down, water is depleted. As a result, only moisture vapor is left behind. Just as we can’t drink humidity out of the air around us, plants cannot use moisture vapor. 

Hydretain was engineered to attract the vapor. Then it collects it back into microscopic liquid droplets to sustain turf and plants between waterings. 

the science behind drought stress

Even with regular rain fall, soil can dry out quickly causing plants to cycle in and out of drought stress.

The science behind Hydretain produces well hydrated grass and soil

The Hydretain technology is used on sports turf, farms and landscapes worldwide to keep plants hydrated while managing water resources.

Our science works with nature, not against it!

Hydretain has the unique ability to attract water molecules, create droplets, and then release those droplets to plant roots. In short, it helps roots absorb more moisture and nutrients to stay healthy. One end of the Hydretain molecule anchors itself to soil particles and root hairs, coating their surface. The other end is available to grab free water molecules from humid air circulating in the soil. Once Hydretain has grabbed enough water molecules to create a droplet, the plant’s root are able to absorb the droplet through osmosis preventing it from being lost to evaporation or gravity.

Hydretain science graphic of untreated plant roots vs. treated plant roots

H20 TECH!

The Hydretain Difference

Hydretain is the only water management technology that helps plants use moisture vapor that would otherwise be lost to evaporation.

Hydretain science: using moisture vapor that would otherwise be lost to evaporation

University Tested & Proven

Don’t just take our word for it. Major University studies and countless green care professionals continue to herald the benefits of Hydretain and its unique ability to reduce watering by up to 50% or more!

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Questions? Answers!

We are happy to discuss how you can start using Hydretain on your landscape and answer any questions you may have.