Soil is often an overlooked aspect of smart irrigation. While smart controllers, water-efficient sprinklers and nozzles and drip irrigation are all effective ways to reduce water waste, even more water can be saved once it reaches the soil.
AquaSmart Pro is designed to do just that, by increasing soil’s ability to store moisture.
AquaSmart Pro is a polymer-coated sand that absorbs and holds 12 times its weight in water. These polymer particles act like tiny water tanks that release moisture back to the soil and roots as they begin to dry again, making it ideal for areas where watering is limited to one or two days per week.
In addition to reducing watering frequency, AquaSmart Pro has a number of applications:
Richard Kirkman, Ewing manager in El Dorado Hills, Calif., put AquaSmart to the test last summer.
“We applied a 4-lb. shaker of AquaSmart to a brown spot in the turf in front of our store. This area has poor sprinkler head coverage and has always been a trouble spot.
"The irrigation was not altered in any way, and every Friday, we took a picture of the spot to track its improvement. We did this for 5 weeks, and at the conclusion of our trial we had some amazing results to share.”
For the best results, AquaSmart Pro should be aerated or worked into soil, at a recommendedrate of 40 lbs per 1,000 square feet for turf, or 4 tablespoons per gallon of soil for potted plants.
AquaSmart Pro is only available at Ewing. Give it a try for under $10 for a 4-pound shaker. It’s also available in 40-pound bags. Ask a Ewing service professional for more information.
