Applications

Watersorb has several different types of absorbent polymers that have numerous applications including horticulture, agriculture, erosion & dust control, equestrian, and arts & crafts. Our polymers are non-toxic, biodegradable, and completely safe for the environment. The water crystals break down into nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water. View application below

 

 

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Horticultural Applications

Watersorb MEDIUM sized polymer is recommended for most horticultural applications.  Each pound of polymer is about 2.25 cups or 110 teaspoons.

Pots/Containerized

Mix MEDIUM polymer thoroughly into media at the following rates:

Container Size	Amount of Polymer
1 Gallon	1/3 oz.
2 Gallons	1/2 oz.
3 Gallons	3/4 oz.
5 Gallons	1 oz.
7 Gallons	1 1/2 oz.
10 Gallons	2 oz.
15 Gallons	3 oz.
20 Gallons	4 oz.
25 Gallons	5 oz.
30 Gallons	6 oz.
35 Gallons	7 oz.
50 Gallons	8 oz.
65 Gallons	9 oz.
100 Gallons	12 oz.
200 Gallons	20 oz.
400 Gallons	36 oz.

Planting Beds

Use MEDIUM polymer. Mix half throughout the planting hole and amend the backfill with remaining half.

Area/Depth	Amount of Polymer
1 sq. ft. / 1" depth	1 1/2 tsp.
1 sq. ft. / 3" depth	2 tbsp.
1 sq. ft. / 6" depth	3 tbsp.
100 sq. ft. / 1" depth	1 lb.
100 sq. ft. / 3" depth	3 lbs.
100 sq. ft. / 6" depth	6 lbs.

Bare Root Transplants

Use POWDER polymer. Dip or spray roots in hydrated Watersorb polymer. Incorporate dry Watersorb polymer into the soil that is to be placed back in the hole. Hydrate Watersorb polymer at the following rates:

Amount of Water	Amount of Polymer
1 cup	1/4 tsp.
1 quart	1 tsp.
1 gallon	4 tsp.
25-40 gallons	1 lb.

Ball & Burlap Trees

Use MEDIUM polymer. Mix half throughout the planting hole and amend the backfill with the remaining half.

Trunk Diameter	Amount of Polymer
1"	2 oz.
2"	3 oz.
3"	6 oz.
4"	8 oz.
5"	12 oz.
6"	16 oz.
7"	20 oz.
8"	24 oz.

Boxed Trees

Use MEDIUM polymer. Mix half throughout the planting hole and then amend the backfill with the remaining half.

Box Size	Amount of Polymer
24"	6 oz.
30"	9 oz.
36"	12 oz.
48"	16 oz.

Grass Seed & Sod

Use MEDIUM polymer. Broadcast dry polymer with spreader before seeding or sodding. Work polymer into the soil 2-6 inches at a rate of 4-5 lbs. per 1,000 square feet. Watersorb polymers are used in golf courses, ball fields, and residential/commercial lawns to reduce watering, and they also store fertilizer to be released into the soil later.

Established Lawns

It is difficult, but not impossible to apply polymer to established lawns. It takes extra effort and more polymer than with new lawns, and it could require annual or every-other-year treatments. Our SMALL and MEDIUM polymers work best for established lawns.

1. Aerate extra-thoroughly—as much as three passes over your turf instead of one.
2. Broadcast or wind spread Watersorb at a rate 3-6 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft. per inch of root depth.
3. Use a garden or leaf rake to move as many of the dry polymer crystals into the plug holes as possible.
4. Do not water for at least 24 hours, allowing as many polymers on the surface to find their way into your turf.
5. Saturate thoroughly on your first irrigation.

Do not be concerned about the hydrated polymer remaining on the surface. They will look like small water gel nuggets, and they will harmlessly decompose as they are exposed to direct sunlight. Until they disappear, they will actually serve to cool your turf from the heat of the sun. 

Apply next year or the following year at a rate up to 85 percent less, depending on the first season's performance.

Forestry

Effective reforestation and transplantation programs depend on high survival rates of trees and shrubs. Watersorb reduces the effects of transplant shock and temporary drought on new trees and shrubs, as well as helps to control leaching and water run-off. See Pots/Containerized, Bare Root Transplants, and Ball & Burlap Trees Application Instructions above.

Bulk Soil

Use MEDIUM polymer. Mix thoroughly into media at a rate of 4 tsp. per cubic foot.

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Dust Control & Equestrian

Watersorb polymers have been used for many years to control dust in equestrian and military applications.

For equestrian arenas, Watersorb MEDIUM Polymer can be used to reduce watering, control dust, and add cushion to the riding surface. It is a very cost effective solution because it lasts 3 to 5 years in the soil, and is also environmentally friendly.

Equestrian Arena Application Instructions

1. Broadcast the polymer with a spreader or drop seeder for even disbursement. Plot out 1,000 square feet (25 x 40 or any measurement to equal 1,000 sq. ft.).
2. Set the spreader or drop seeder opening at the smallest opening and fill with 6 - 8 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. Broadcast the polymer into the plot. If too much polymer is left in the hopper after the first pass, make proper adjustments to ensure all product is dispersed.
3. Work the polymer into the soil using a roto-tiller, harrow, or disk. If a harrow is used, the spacing between the tines should be a minimum of six inches. Remove every other tine if necessary. Note: Apply up to 2 lbs. more of Watersorb Medium Polymer per 1,000 sq. ft. where heavy traffic occurs in the arena (outer ring of arena, etc.).
4. After installation, water liberally. Watersorb Polymer will take 5-10 minutes to absorb water to maximum capacity. Resume your normal water routine for 5 - 7 days. Water rates and reductions can then be established.

Watersorb Polymer must be worked into the arena soil to remain effective. If left on the surface, UV light will break down the polymer. The salt content of the water and the pH of the arena soil affect the absorption capacity of the polymer.

Printable version: Equestrian Arena Application Instructions.

Watersorb polymers have also been used in military applications to control dust. As helicopters land in deserts and other dusty areas, Watersorb polymer can be sprayed down to prevent the dust from becoming airborne and clogging up the engines. Our POWDER polymer works best for dust control applications.

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Insect Watering

Watersorb polymers can be used for insect watering. If a bowl of water is used to hydrate feeder insects, they can drown in the bottom of the bowl. Watersorb polymer is put in the bowl, absorbing the excess water. This allows the feeder insects to hydrate without drowning. Nutrients can also be added to the water so that the polymer stores nutrients as well. Our  MEDIUM and LARGE Polymers are mainly used for insect watering.

Application Instructions

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of polymer into 1 quart of water, and let it soak for at least one hour.
2. Drain any excess water with a strainer or colander. Removing the excess water will help prevent drowning.
3. Put the hydrated polymer into your watering container. If you are adding nutrients, calcium, vitamins, etc. Always add these items to the water prior to adding the dry polymer.

Store hydrated polymer in a Ziploc bag or a Tupperware in the fridge. It is recommended that you change the polymer out once or twice per week. To dispose of used crystals, pour crystals into flower beds or garden. Watersorb polymer is a non-toxic substance that will not harm your plants, grass, soil, pets, or insects.

 

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Arts & Crafts

Our polymers have many different uses in Arts & Crafts, such as Cool Ties, aromatherapy jellies, decorative candles, bouquets, artifact preservative, pet cooling mats, artificial fish aquariums, hot and cold packs, cigar humidifiers, and many others. MEDIUM and LARGE Polymers are generally used for these applications. Visit our Arts & Crafts and Cool Ties pages for more information.

                                            

Hot Pack Instructions

1. Hydrate the polymer in a bowl of water for at least 30 minutes.
2. Drain the excess water.
3. Place the polymer in a microwavable Ziploc bag.
4. Microwave 10 seconds and check, then continue in small increments until hot. Since the polymer is 99% water, it can boil quickly and could burn you so be careful when removing the bag from the microwave.
5. Use hot pack over or under clothes, or wrapped in a towel or blanket.

Cold Pack Instructions

1. Hydrate the polymer in a bowl of water for at least 30 minutes.
2. Drain the excess water.
3. Place the polymer in a Ziploc freezer bag.
4. Store the pack in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on the desired temperature.
5. Use pack over or under clothes, or wrapped in a towel or blanket

Hot and cold packs can be used for years, and when you make a new pack, the polymer from the old pack can be put in your garden to help your soil store moisture!

 

If you have any questions about the applications of our polymers, please do not hesitate to Contact Us!