While fall fertilizer applications play a major role in the growth and health of turfgrass roots, proper water management is just as important. When the soil profile has the optimal amount of moisture, roots recover quickly, giving them more time to develop and prepare for the cold.

How Soil Surfactants Support Fall Root Recovery

Consider using a soil surfactant to improve root recovery in the fall. In the summer, surfactants help retain moisture in the root zone and fight isolated dry spots. In the fall, they drive water deeper into the soil profile. Since roots follow the water, a surfactant can help your customers’ lawns develop deeper, more resilient roots.

Fall surfactant applications will also help lawns make the most of the precipitation they receive, reduce the risk of desiccation/winterkill, and protect the turf during freezing and thawing by removing water from the surface.

Due to slower microbial activity in colder temperatures, surfactants applied in the fall won’t break down quickly. They often keep working well into the spring, keeping soil hydrated and encouraging an earlier green-up.

Fall Soil Surfactant Applications for Damaged or Stressed Turf

Root development relies on soil moisture, making surfactants especially beneficial for lawns experiencing drought stress or excessive moisture issues. These problems will cause root development to slow down, but a soil surfactant can improve water penetration and retention, helping get growth back on track.

Soil Surfactant Product Recommendations

There are three different types of soil surfactants to choose from:

  • Hydration surfactants hold water in the soil where it can be easily used by the turf.
  • Infiltration surfactants break surface tension and move water into and through the root zone.
  • Combination surfactants combine both hydration and infiltration properties.

Aquatrols’ Vivax 10G is a granular combination surfactant that moves water into the soil, holding it in the primary root zone while keeping the surface dry. Precip G, also by Aquatrols, is a granular combination option. The HydroPak line of products offers several infiltration-only products along with combination surfactants, too. Your ATS rep can help you determine which product(s) are right for you.

Applying soil surfactants in the fall is a straightforward and effective way to improve the health and resiliency of your customers’ lawns. If you’d like to learn more, reach out to your ATS rep for personalized tips and product recommendations. If you need a rep, you can find one here.