Wetting agent is a term used to describe a substance that either improves the absorption of water by a material that would otherwise repel water, such as dry peat moss, or to increase the adhesive properties of a spray in order to adhere to the surface of leaves. These substances are also known as surfactants and they perform by reducing the surface tension of water. Conventional wetting agents are usually alcohol or petroleum distillates such as polyacrylamides. Polyacrylamides are commonly used on a large scale in irrigation water to improve the absorption of water by soils and to prevent erosion. Polyacrylamides and other synthetic wetting agents are prohibited under organic standards.
Natural wetting agents, including soaps saponins and microbial wetting agents are allowed. Wetting agents are commonly used in commercial potting mixes, since they are peat based, a substance that tends to repel water when dry.
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