Extensive research has been conducted on hydrophobic soils and on the effectiveness of wetting agents. ... Applying wetting agents reduced the severity of the condition with coring – making small holes in the soil surface to allow water to pass through the hydrophobic surface layer.

Are wetting agents worth it?

Wetting agents are type of surfactant, like detergent, that attracts water to the soil surface and helps it soak in. These fantastic products can help you use water more effectively and efficiently, which is great not just for your lawn but for the environment, too.

What can be used as a soil wetting agent?

You can make your own soil wetting agent using the food grade thickener, agar agar (algin), derived from seaweed. Buy powdered kelp from a health food store. Slowly add boiling water to agar agar and stir to make a paste about the same consistency as wallpaper paste.