Ecologel Solutions aims to mitigate the effect of watering restrictions during a heat wave

WOBURN, Massachusetts — With a sweltering heat wave hitting the Northeast, many municipalities are enforcing severe watering restrictions, and in many drought-ridden areas, all-out water bans. Arborjet, an industry leader in plant health care, hopes to mitigate this problem, according to a press release.

Arborjet recently acquired a majority interest in Ecologel Solutions, a developer and manufacturer of products for water conservation and plant nutrition. One of their premier products is Hydretain, which is a soil moisture management technology. Hydretain is designed to drastically reduce watering requirements of turfgrasses, tress, shrubs, flowers, indoor and outdoor plants and agriculture.

“Major university studies and greencare professionals from around the world continue to tout the benefits of Hydretain and its unique ability to reduce watering requirements by as much as 50 percent or more,” said Ecologel president Rick Irwin.

“We are particularly excited to expand Hydretain’s reach into to the horticultural and agriculture industries to reduce water usage around the world,” said Arborjet COO Russ Davis.

“This product is a real game-changer as far as conserving water, while reducing costs and providing excellent results,” Irwin said.

Hydretain is made from a proprietary blend of hygroscopic humectant compounds that attract moisture vapor from the air, acting like tiny water magnets. This vapor would otherwise be unusable by plants and eventually lost to evaporation, according to the release. Available in both liquid and granular forms, Hydretains’ chemistry converts soil moisture back into a liquid form, efficiently transferring it to plant roots. Through this simple mechanism, Hydretain not only helps keep plants clear of daily wilt cycles and drought, but also contributes to more complete usage of water applied by rainfall and irrigation. This all translates into water conservation, reduced costs and labor, and healthier, more vigorous greenery, according to the release.

“Surveys have revealed that the cost of water has risen by 25 to 30 percent in many municipalities, with increases reaching as high as 300 percent or more in some regions. These cost increases have caused many property owners to reconsider watering lawns and landscapes when seasonal dry periods occur. Whether working on commercial or residential properties, finding ways to manage water is important to everyone and it makes complete economic sense,” said Jim Spindler, director of agronomy for Ecologel Solutions.

Additionally, by managing soil moisture between watering cycles and/or rainfall, Hydretain reduces drought stress, and provides many other benefits such as, increased seed germination, enhanced nutrient and pesticide efficiency, sod establishment, extended flower life and maximized crop production, according to the release. Hydretain is produced using primarily organic-based hygroscopic and humectant ingredients. It is safe to use on commercially grown food as well as residential vegetable and herb gardens, parks, school, sports and playing fields, and golf courses. Each application of Hydretain lasts for up to three months.