Golf Course Management Magazine recently shared two research studies on turf industry surfactants. You can find both research articles below.
In a 2018 GCM article a study completed by researchers at the University of Missouri reported that different classes of wetting agent/surfactants could influence how hydrophobic organic compounds may be displaced from soil particle surfaces. Of the three of the classes of wetting agent/surfactants evaluated, they found that two – OARS (80% polyoxyalkylene polymers and 10% potassium salt of alkyl substituted maleic acid) and Matador (100% alkyl block polymer) – both increased dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the leachate, which is a means of measuring displacement of carbon. While both materials mitigated soil water repellency, OARS appeared to achieve it by adsorbing onto the surface of those soil particles and hydrophilizing the surface.
You can read the full details of the research HERE
Soil surfactants have been shown to improve the horizontal distribution of water. Now, researchers are looking at how they impact soil water content at various depths over time. The objectives of this research are to measure the vertical distribution of water in a sand-based profile treated with different types of surfactants, to relate surfactant concentrations in the soil to soil hydrophobicity and, ultimately, to create models to estimate soil surfactant longevity under different irrigation programs. This research will provide golf course superintendents greater control when designing and implementing a successful soil surfactant program. Ultimately, this will lead to higher irrigation efficiency, improved surface playability and enhanced turf health.
You can read the full details of the research HERE