Aqueduct

Description

Aqueduct is a specialized soil surfactant developed by Aquatrols, a recognized leader in soil and water management for turfgrass and horticulture. It is created as a rapid recovery solution to address common turf management problems, particularly in high maintenance environments such as golf courses, athletic fields, and commercial landscapes. As a curative surfactant, it targets existing water-related issues rather than acting as a fertilizer. Its primary function is to reduce soil water repellency and restore proper moisture movement while maintaining turf health and minimizing the risk of phytotoxicity.

Aqueduct is designed based on extensive field testing and independent research, including collaborations with the University of Florida and evaluations conducted through the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and United States Golf Association (USGA) wetting agent trials during 2003 and 2004. These multi-site studies, conducted across diverse climates in the United States, confirmed Aqueduct’s effectiveness in managing soil hydrophobicity and promoting healthy turf performance.

What is Aqueduct?

Aqueduct is a curative soil surfactant formulated to provide rapid solutions for water management issues, primarily Localized Dry Spots (LDS) caused by soil hydrophobicity. It functions as a targeted treatment to restore uniform water movement in sand-based root zones commonly found in intensively managed turf areas. Rather than serving as a preventative product, Aqueduct works as a remedial solution and can also help prepare affected areas for long-term surfactant programs. It alleviates turf wilt and dry patches by improving soil moisture dynamics.

Aqueduct is available in both liquid and Spreadable Water Dispersible Granular (SWDG) formulations, offering flexibility in application. The liquid formulation provides faster and more uniform coverage, making it suitable for large areas such as greens and fairways. The granular formulation is ideal for hard-to-reach and difficult-to-spray areas such as slopes, bunker faces, and isolated dry spots. Under dry conditions, Aqueduct has reduced the occurrence of Localized Dry Spots from more than 85% to less than 10% within three weeks across a wide range of turf species.

Technology and Mechanism

Aqueduct is a non-ionic soil surfactant used as a wetting agent to improve water penetration and retention in the turf root zone. It is a clear to light yellow liquid formulation with a slight odor, composed of 50% proprietary non-ionic polyols, 5% 1,2-propanediol, and 45% water. These components form a stable, water-soluble solution that can be easily diluted and applied using standard spray equipment.

The formulation is exempt from tolerance requirements under U.S. federal regulation (40 CFR 180.1001 (c)), reflecting its environmental safety when used as directed. Manufacturing specifications maintain a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5 and a specific gravity between 1.02 and 1.06 g/cc, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of turf management products. The formulation is biodegradable and classified as non-hazardous under global harmonized system standards.

The mechanism of action involves non-ionic polyols reducing the surface tension of water, overcoming soil water repellency caused by organic coatings on soil particles. The inclusion of 1,2-propanediol enhances formulation stability and solubility, allowing consistent performance across varying soil pH levels and temperature conditions. By binding to hydrophobic soil surfaces, Aqueduct creates pathways for improved water infiltration and lateral movement within the root zone. This restores balanced soil moisture, reducing both dry patches and excess surface moisture. Applications can be made in spring before irrigation systems are fully operational or during summer stress, with irrigation recommended before the next mowing to enhance soil integration.

Special Features of Aqueduct

• No post-application irrigation required: Does not require immediate watering-in, reducing water usage and labor requirements.
• High turf safety: Safe for all turfgrass species with a low hazard rating of 1 for health and flammability on HMIS/NFPA scales.
• Ease of application: Can be applied using standard spray equipment without special handling procedures.
• Formulation stability and storage safety: Can be safely stored in original containers away from extreme temperatures and incompatible substances.
• Tank mix compatibility: Compatible with fertilizers and other surfactants for integrated turf management programs.
• Environmental and regulatory safety: Non-toxic to plants and animals and aligned with environmental regulations.
• Rapid turf response: Visible improvement observed within 5 days of a single application, even under severe drought stress.
• Improved soil moisture retention: Treated areas show higher soil moisture levels within 2 weeks compared to untreated turf.
• Effective reduction in Localized Dry Spots: Affected areas reduced to approximately 25% within 2 weeks, with continued improvement over time.
• Sustained turf quality under dry conditions: Maintains better turf quality and reduces moisture-related stress symptoms.

Aqueduct’s Distinct Performance

Compared with traditional soil surfactants that often require immediate watering-in and may pose a risk of phytotoxicity under high temperatures, Aqueduct eliminates these limitations and offers greater flexibility during stress periods. Its formulation is designed for rapid performance, delivering faster improvements in water infiltration and a quick reduction in soil water repellency. While many surfactants focus primarily on preventive use, Aqueduct is curative in nature, correcting existing moisture problems and making it suitable for emergency applications as well as preparation for follow-up preventive programs. The liquid formulation further allows accurate and efficient spot treatments without reliance on granular carriers.