Wetting agent programmes are essential in achieving a reduction in dry patch and fairy ring outbreaks. By alternating curative (Magnum CO) and preventative (Magnum 357 Calibre) products, the waxy coating covering soil and sand particles is broken down. This process also helps with the re-wetting of the soil profile. This approach helps to eradicate plant stress, providing a more consistent playing surface.

Magnum CO – The ‘Bread’

Magnum CO contains an organic acid designed to clean the sand particle and flush unwanted waxes, hydrocarbons, bicarbonate salts and minerals through the soil profile. Waxy organic layers on soil particles shed water and do not allow water to hold in root zone. Poor water infiltration caused by hydrophobic waxes, fats or other organic debris that form water repellent “coatings” on soil or sand particles. Magnum CO contains a cleansing agent which solublises the waxy deposits and flushes them away.

Once the sand particles have been ‘cleaned’, it’s important not to allow these hydrophobic waxes, fats or other organic debris from building up again.

Magnum 357 Calibre – The ‘Filling’

Magnum 357 Calibre is a blend of non-ionic surfactants and contains 100% active ingredients. With three active ingredients and three modes of action, this 100% biodegradable product is ideal to not only maintain the correct balance of water in the soil profile.

The three active ingredients are:

A glycol based ingredient which spreads across surface of turf
A block co-polymer which aids water penetration
A reverse block co-polymer which helps balance water within the root zone

How Effective Are They?

By using wetting agents such as Magnum 357 Calibre the amount of irrigation or rain water require to bring root zones back to acceptable moisture contents is greatly reduced. Typically there is a saving in water of 30 – 40 %.

Applying the two products, Magnum 357 Calibre and Mangum CO in a targeted wetting agent programme will offer the most effective results against dry patch and other water-related turf management issues. Our recommended programme is below.

More information on our research and trials work on this subject are available on request.