Water$ave FAQ
WaterSave Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What exactly is WaterSave? WaterSave is a super absorbent polymer, also known as a water retaining crystals, They absorb and retain up to 500 times its own weight in water and nutrients, slowly releasing these to the root system when needed by the plant. WaterSave is a cross linked anionic copolymer of acrylamide and sodium acrylate.
Q. What is a super absorbent polymer? - Super absorbent polymers are part of a group of acrylamide polymers. The group includes the polyacrylamide polymers. These are very long chain molecules. With super absorbent polymers the long chains are cross linked to form a network or mesh structure. This mesh has the ability to absorb water into the structure and to swell as the water is absorbed. The major use for super absorbent polymers is in disposable nappies and hygiene products. They are also used to remove moisture from meat products during retail packaging.
Q. Why should I use WaterSave? - Australia is the driest continent on the planet and water is one of the world's most precious resources. With water restrictions in place and constant news articles about water shortages and droughts, WaterSave is the ideal product to use to help preserve our water shortage, from the home gardener through to broad acre farming.
Q. Where can I use WaterSave? - Anywhere that you have plants, trees, gardens, bushes, lawns, crops or any plant form that requires water to survive.
Q. Who should use WaterSave? - WaterSave should be used by all home gardeners through to large scale nurseries, horticulturists, landscapers, farmers, councils and anyone that is conscious of our water shortage and the environment.
Q. How do I use WaterSave? - For WaterSave to work effectively it needs to be added to the soil of any new or existing pot plant, garden, lawn or paddock.
Q. What are the benefits of using WaterSave? - Reduces your watering by up to 50%.
- Reduces evaporation form your soil.
- Works for up to 5 years.
- Will absorb water as well as nutrients and fertilizers and releases them to your plants as it is needed.
- Improves soil porosity and aeration.
- Will absorb any small rain falls and watering so water is not lost through run off.
- Enhances plant growth and survival.
- Protects the environment against drought and erosion.
- Non toxic and biodegradable.
Q. How does WaterSave work in the soil? - WaterSave is added to the soil in such a way that it is in contact with the root structure. During watering or irrigation, water is absorbed by WaterSave granules attached to the plant's roots. The water is thus prevented from draining away and being lost. The water is retained by WaterSave close to the plants roots and as the water is needed the plants roots will tap into the hydrated WaterSave and is used over a period of time.
Q. What happens to WaterSave when it dries out? - Eventually the water will be used by the plants and WaterSave returns to its dry form. WaterSave remains active in the soil for many years and the cycle of water absorption and release can be repeated many times with only a very slight loss in efficiency over time. WaterSave will break down when exposed to uv light.
Q. What happens when WaterSave degrades in the soil? - The effects of uv light and bacteria in the soil gradually breaks WaterSave down to water, carbon dioxide and nitrogen.
Q. How long will WaterSave last for? - WaterSave in the soil will work for 3-5 years, absorbing water, nutrients and fertilizers and releasing them as they are needed.
Q. How much WaterSave do I use? - 2 teaspoons of WaterSave per plant will absorb 1litre of water, so a little WaterSave will go a long way. In broad acre farming and for larger applications, the amount of WaterSave that is needed may vary due to soil type, location, and crop, so please contact us for best results.
Q. What package sizes can I purchase WaterSave in? - We supply WaterSave in 140g jars, 800g bottles, 5, 10 and 20 kg buckets, 25kg bags and 100kg bulk bags. We can supply WaterSave from small quantities used by home gardeners through to large quantities for farmers and large scale projects.
Q. Is WaterSave safe? - WaterSave is similar to what is found in babies nappies and no harm should occur if swallowed in gel form by humans or animals. The acids within the stomach will start to break down the hydrated gels and the water is released into the stomach and the crystals are passed through. WaterSave is safe to handle, non toxic and biodegradable.
Q. Can I just put WaterSave on top of my garden or pot plants? - WaterSave works best at the root zone of the plants. This allows the roots to tap into the hydrated WaterSave and draw water when needed. Because WaterSave is uv sensitive it will start to break down and loose its effectiveness.
Q. What makes WaterSave unique from other water retaining crystals that are available on the market? - WaterSave is unique among commercially available water retainers as it is available in a range of sizes to ideally match any soil type, location, crop and application. This variety and commitment from Polymer Innovations ensures that you achieve the best possible results and the most from your WaterSave.
Q. What grades of WaterSave are available? - We at Polymer Innovations feel that it is essential to use the most suitable grade of WaterSave to achieve the maximum benefits of WaterSave. This is why we are the only ones that offer WaterSave in a number of different grades.
- WaterSave F - is exclusive to Polymer Innovations, this grade of WaterSave has a fast water uptake, improves strike rate, great for seed coating, reduces transplant shock, effective for bare root dipping, improves slurry handling in dairies, enhances fertilizer value through better nitrogen fixation, effective in animal bedding for urine/manure and odour control.
- WaterSave M - also exclusive to Polymer Innovations, is the practical and economical solution to all domestic and commercial growing needs. This grade has quick uptake of water, effective in agriculture and horticulture, landscaping, new lawns and golf courses etc. WaterSave M is easy to use, a versatile product for home gardens, large surface area per gram gives a better distribution around the root zone. More effective in areas where water is limited and restricted as any small showers and light watering will be absorbed due to its quick water uptake.
- WaterSave C - This is the coarsest grade and is the traditional water absorbing crystals. Although it lacks the versatility of WaterSave F and WaterSave M grades it has a number of advantages for certain applications. Improves aeration on fine soils, slow release medium for fertilizer. Hydrated gels are often used for decorative applications for cut flowers and floral displays. Also used for transporting of cut flowers.
|