Frequently Asked Questions Product Summary 1. Click Here To Read More Polymers 1. What is a polymer? 2. What types of polymers are used in agriculture? 3. What is the difference between cross-linked and linear polymers? 4. How long have polymers been used in agriculture? 5. Are polymers safe? Stockosorb® (Crossed-linked polymer) 6. What are the benefits of using Stockosorb? 7. Can cross-linked polymers be applied with fertilizers? 8. What are the by-products when cross-linked polymers break down? 9. Do all types of soils benefit from using polymers? 10. When are cross-linked polymers applied? 11. What equipment is used to apply polymers? 12. What quantity of polymer is generally applied? 13. Can you apply too much Stockosorb polymer? 14. Are there any crops in to which polymers should not be applied? 15. Is Stockosorb approved for organic farming? 16. How should polymers be stored? 17. How do you clean a Stockosorb spill? Agriblend® 18. What is Agriblend? 19. What are the benefits of using Agriblend? Nutrimoist® Crystals 20. What are Nutrimoist® Crystals? 21. What are the benefits of using Nutrimoist Crystals? 22. What is the application rate of Nutrimoist Crystals? 23. How is Nutrimoist Crystals stored and handled? 24. In what size is Nutrimoist Crystals packaged? 25. How do you clean a Nutrimoist Crystals spill? Nutrimoist®L 26. What is Nutrimoist®L? 27. If Nutrimoist L has the same properties as Stockosorb, why was it developed? 28. How is Nutrimoist L injected? 29. How does Nutrimoist L benefit turf? 30. Are there the other benefits of Nutrimoist L? 31. What is the application rate of Nutrimoist L? 32. Is Nutrimoist L environmentally friendly? 33. How should Nutrimoist L be stored? 34. How do you clean a Nutrimoist L spill? M-216 Polymer Injector 35. What is the M-216 Polymer Injector? 36. How does the M-216 Polymer Injector work? 37. What are floating rollers? 38. Does the M-216 give you even and consistent penetration? 39. Is the M-216 self-propelled? 40. How can the application of Nutrimoist L be monitored while using the M-216 Polymer Injector? 41. How large is the M-216? 42. What are the other features of the M-216? Anchor MP™ 43. What is Anchor MP? 44. How does Anchor MP work? 45. How does Anchor MP break down? 46. How will Anchor MP help in irrigation? 47. Are there other benefits of Anchor MP? 48. How do I apply Anchor MP? 49. How do I mix Anchor MP in my sprayer? 50. How often do I need to apply Anchor MP? 51. What about mixing Anchor MP with liquid fertilizer or pesticides? 52. Is Anchor MP a replacement to my current wetting agents? 53. How does Anchor MP reduce soil sodium levels? 54. What happens if Anchor MP is spilled? 55. Are there special recommendations as to disposal of the Anchor MP container? Canal Seal 56. What is Canal Seal? 57. How does Canal Seal work? 58. How is Canal Seal applied? 59. What is the recommended application rate for Canal Seal and can it be diluted with water? 60. How do you determine "treated acres" for the application of Canal Seal? 61. What type of equipment is used to apply Canal Seal? 62. For applications diluted with water how much water per gallon of Canal Seal should be used? 63. Should the first water flow after treatment with Canal Seal be dirty so that it has adequate suspended soil particles? 64. What happens if Canal Seal is spilled? 65. How is Canal Seal stored? EXTEND™ 66. What is EXTEND? 67. How does EXTEND work? 68. How does EXTEND break down? 69. How will EXTEND help me in irrigation? 70. What are the other benefits of EXTEND? 71. How do I apply EXTEND? 72. How often do I need to apply EXTEND? 73. What about mixing EXTEND with liquid fertilizer or pesticides? 74. How does EXTEND reduce soil sodium levels? 75. Is EXTEND effective as a harvest aid? 76. What happens if EXTEND is spilled? Stockopam® 77. What is Stockopam? 78. How does Stockopam work? 79. What are the benefits of Stockopam? 80. How is Stockopam applied? 81. How should Stockopam be stored? 82. How do you clean a Stockopam spill? 83. What are the by-products when Stockopam breaks down? Nutrimoist® H 2.5 92. What is Nutrimoist H 2.5? 93. What are the benefits of Nutrimoist H 2.5? 94. How is Nutrimoist H 2.5 applied? 95. What are the by-products when Nutrimoist H 2.5 breaks down? 96. How do you clean a Nutrimoist H 2.5 spill and how is the product handled? Polymers ^ back to top 1. What is a polymer? Polymers, which can be either natural or synthetic, are macromolecules (literally large molecules) that are composed of smaller molecules or building block molecules known as monomers. A good analogy would be a string of pearls. Each individual pearl would be analogous to a monomer and the string of individual pearls all linked together would be analogous to a polymer. ^ back to top 2. What types of polymers are used in agriculture? There are two types of polymers used in Agriculture. The linear polymer as described above made as an acrylate/acrylamide copolymer which dissolves in water and cross-linked polyacrylamide/polyacrylate which absorbs water and water soluble nutrients ^ back to top 3. What is the difference between cross-linked and linear polymers? The cross-linked polymer has the ability to absorb water. The cross-linked polymer attracts water to itself because of its molecular structure but the water it attracts does not dissolve the polymer, instead it absorbs the water into the network spaces created by its cross-linked structure. These cross-linked polyacrylamide polymers may absorb as much as 400 times their weight in water. When properly installed in a soil environment they can act as a water reservoir in the soil for plants. The term hydrogel is sometimes used to describe cross-linked copolymers because when the dry crystals absorb water they take on the consistency of a gel. Linear polymers on the other hand dissolve in water. The surface of soil particles suspended in water become positively charged by cations that bind to the negatively charged soil particles. This binding action provides a bridge for the dissolved linear polymer's negatively charged structure to bind to the soil particles. The mixture of soil and polymer bind together (agglomeration) resulting in particles too large to remain suspended and consequently settle-out in the irrigation furrow. This activity greatly improves water infiltration and limits soil erosion American Soil Technologies, Inc. sells the following cross-linked and linear polymer products: · Cross-linked: Stockosorb®, Agriblend, Nutrimoist® L, and Nutrimoist® Crystals. · Linear: Stockopam®, Canal Seal, Extend™ and Anchor MP™. ^ back to top 4. How long have polymers been used in agriculture? Polymers have been used in agriculture for over 35 years ^ back to top 5. Are polymers safe? Pursuant to EPA standards, polyacrylamide polymers must have residual acrylamide monomer limits of no greater than five-hundredths percent (0.05%). Our polymers are well within those limits. Both Stockopam and Stockosorb meet and exceed federal government standards for toxicity. These products are registered in required states as a soil amendment. Stockosorb® (Crossed-linked polymer) ^ back to top 6. What are the benefits of using Stockosorb? Stockosorb is superabsorbant cross-linked polymer used to increase water and nutrient retention. It is a potassium ammonium polyacrylate/polyacrylamide copolymer. Other cross-linked polymers may be sodium rather than potassium based. Potassium based polymers are more often recommended for agricultural use. The use of Stockosorb in agriculture will help to reduce water usage; it will increase the efficiency of fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides; it will help to increase seed germination thereby increasing yields; it reduces leaching of chemicals and it reduces compaction. The product comes in three sizes M, S, and F for the following reasons: Stockosorb® M - For mixing into the growing media prior to planting or in landscaping applications. Stockosorb® S - For mixing into growing media prior to seeding, sodding or small container planting. Also, can be used for root dipping. (1oz. per gallon of water) Stockosorb® F - For mixing with water to be used as a gel to treat bare roots before planting or during transportation. Can also be mixed with certain liquid fertilizers. ^ back to top 7. Can cross-linked polymers be applied with fertilizers? This is dependent on the type and concentration of the fertilizer and the method of application. Provided the fertilizer does not inhibit the hydration of the polymer at the concentration at which it is applied the polymer can be applied at the time of fertilizer application. Consult your ASTI technical representative for information and guidance. ^ back to top 8. What are the by-products when cross-linked polymers break down? Exposure to ultra violet rays will breakdown the polymer into ammonia, carbon dioxide, and water. Also, after going through natural processes, which include solubilization, degradation and mineralization, the constituents of the polymer are integrated into the natural carbon and nitrogen cycle in the form of ammonia, carbon dioxide, and water. ^ back to top 9. Do all types of soils benefit from using polymers? All soil types can benefit from using cross-linked polymers. ^ back to top 10. When are cross-linked polymers applied? Cross-linked polymers can be applied either prior to planting or at the time of planting. ^ back to top 11. What equipment is used to apply polymers? There are generally two methods in which to apply polymers. The broadcast method is accomplished through broadcasting the polymer evenly on to the soil and then tilling it into the soil to the appropriate depth of about 3-6 inches. The banding method is to band into or over the seed row at a depth of about 2 to 3 inches and is accomplished by using different forms of banding operations. The most commonly used equipment consists of gravity feed systems, planter boxes and micro banders. ^ back to top 12. What quantity of polymer is generally applied? If banding at seedtime use from 2 to 3 pounds per acre. If broadcasting and tilling 20-40 pounds per acre. ^ back to top 13. Can you apply too much Stockosorb polymer? You can apply too much of anything. If you apply too much Stockosorb the soil will have a spongy texture when the soil is irrigated. Addition of too much Stockosorb can negatively impact the soil air/water ratio. The consequences of significantly changing the balance of air and water in the soil are well understood by most farmers. Physical and chemical characteristics of soils are quite variable, as is irrigation water chemical composition; as a result soil and irrigation water should be tested to determine the optimal application rate. ^ back to top 14. Are there any crops in to which polymers should not be applied? Caution should be exercised with vineyards, cactus and agave crops. ^ back to top 15. Is Stockosorb approved for organic farming? Stockosorb is not an organically approved product. ^ back to top 16. How should polymers be stored? The product will remain stable for more than two years if stored in a dry environment. ^ back to top 17. How do you clean a Stockosorb spill? Wear appropriate protective equipment in that Stockosorb is a mild irritant. Sweep or vacuum the dry product. Flushing is not recommended in that the product becomes very slippery when wet. Agriblend® ^ back to top 18. What is Agriblend? Agriblend is a crossed-link polymer blended with zeolite which is a naturally occurring dry product containing a trace of minerals. ^ back to top 19. What are the benefits of using Agriblend? Agriblend helps to increase the cationic exchange capacity (CEC) of certain sandy soils. It also performs as a cross-linked polymer in all facets as indicated above. Nutrimoist® Crystals ^ back to top 20. What are Nutrimoist® Crystals? Nutrimoist Crystals are cross-linked super absorbent polymers specifically sized for horticulture. ^ back to top 21. What are the benefits of using Nutrimoist Crystals? Nutrimoist Crystals is a powerful long-lasting soil amendment that greatly reduces the amount of water needed to grow your plants whether in your garden or potted. It promotes higher fruit and vegetable productivity, holds moisture and nutrients in the root zone and plants endure less stress between watering and chemical applications. ^ back to top 22. What is the application rate of Nutrimoist Crystals? Application rates will vary depending on soil type, plant type and region. Generally the application rate will vary from 2 to 5 pounds per 1,000 square feet for sod to one half pound per 100 square feet for a garden. A general guide for potting soil would be 2 tablespoons to 1 gallon dry potting soil and in landscape applications for trees shrubs and flowers use one-third pound per 15 gallons. It is best to follow the directions on the label to determine your particular application. ^ back to top 23. How is Nutrimoist Crystals stored and handled? Nutrimoist Crystals is non-toxic and should be stored in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. ^ back to top 24. In what size is Nutrimoist Crystals packaged? The Nutrimoist Crystals product is packaged in three pound and one pound, impact resistant, large mouth plastic bottles. ^ back to top 25. How do you clean a Nutrimoist Crystals spill? Sweep or vacuum the dry product. Flushing is not recommended in that the product becomes very slippery when wet. Nutrimoist®L ^ back to top 26. What is Nutrimoist®L? Nutrimoist L is a soil additive that captures and retains water and nutrients. It is formulated with Stocksorb® (hydrogel) and nutrient hydration reagent and can be injected into already existing turf. Once in the soil it has the same properties as the cross-linked polymer Stockosorb. ^ back to top 27. If Nutrimoist L has the same properties as Stockosorb, why was it developed? Stockosorb is a granular product that cannot be easily injected into existing turf. Nutrimoist L, although granular in form, turns into a liquid upon the addition of water and was developed expressly for liquid injection of cross linked (hydrogel) polymer into turf. ^ back to top 28. How is Nutrimoist L injected? Nutrimoist L is injected into soil using the revolutionary M216 Polymer Injection Machine developed and patented by American Soil Technologies, Inc. The M216 injects Nutrimoist L directly into the root zone of the turf or other plant where the hydrogel contained in Nutrimoist L "time releases" its absorbed nutrients and moisture. ^ back to top 29. How does Nutrimoist L benefit turf? Virtually all the moisture and nutrients contained in Nutrimoist L are released to the soil and become available to the root mass of turf well before permanent wilt point. The increased "plant available" moisture resulting from application of Nutrimoist L reduces the frequency of required watering and the potential for plant stress during periods of relatively high temperature. ^ back to top 30. Are there the other benefits of Nutrimoist L? Due to the swelling of the Nutrimoist L hydrogel crystals (up to 400 x weight) during water uptake, the soil volume changes resulting in reduced soil compaction and improved soil porosity and permeability. By loosening the soil, root growth is enhanced. ^ back to top 31. What is the application rate of Nutrimoist L? Nutrimoist L is applied at a rate of 150 gallons per acre after the product is placed in solution in water. This equates to approximately 30 pounds of hydrogel per acre. In applications with reasonably good irrigation water quality, this application rate will place sufficient Nutrimoist L to store 3,000 pounds or more "available" water per acre and muscle in the equivalent of 400 cubic feet or more of soil pore space in the top 1 ½" of the soil. ^ back to top 32. Is Nutrimoist L environmentally friendly? The major component of Nutrimoist L is its hydrogel crystals. With an essentially neutral pH, the crystals break down into base component parts of ammonia, carbon dioxide, and water with no residual toxicity. Laboratory tests prove that the hydrogel contained in Nutrimoist L is non-toxic to plants, birds, fish, animals, and soil organisms. ^ back to top 33. How should Nutrimoist L be stored? Store the product in a cool dry place until application and be mindful that, at the time of application, Nurtimoist L must be mixed with water in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instruction. After the product is properly mixed with water, only light agitation is required to keep the product in solution. ^ back to top 34. How do you clean a Nutrimoist L spill? Wear appropriate protective equipment in that Nutrimoist L is a mild irritant. Sweep or vacuum the dry product. Flushing is not recommended in that the product becomes very slippery when wet. M-216 Polymer Injector ^ back to top 35. What is the M-216 Polymer Injector? The M-216 Polymer Injector is a patented machine developed by American Soil Technologies to inject our proprietary product Nutrimoist®L into established Turf. ^ back to top 36. How does the M-216 Polymer Injector work? The machine injects a polymer solution, Nutrimoist L, into established turf through center-drilled heat-inducted stainless steel knives. There are 216 knives on 9 floating rollers. These knives are configured in diamond patterns 3-inches apart instead of rows to provide a random application. The product is dispensed from a 400-gallon tank mounted on the machine. ^ back to top 37. What are floating rollers? There are nine air-spring-equipped rollers on the M-216 that adjust for uneven terrain, tree roots and rocks. Each roller is attached to a support arm allowing eight inches of vertical travel with down force to each arm provided by an air spring. ^ back to top 38. Does the M-216 give you even and consistent penetration? Yes. Because of its unique design, the independent rollers allow even and consistent penetration while traveling over uneven terrain and making turns without tearing up the sod. ^ back to top 39. Is the M-216 self-propelled? The M-216 is not self-propelled. The machine requires a 35 to 65 horsepower tractor and uses a 540 PTO and 1 hydraulic outlet. The tractor's hydraulic system is used to lift and lower the injection roller assembly. The PTO drives the solution pump. The electrical system of the tractor is used to power the fluid controls. ^ back to top 40. How can the application of Nutrimoist L be monitored while using the M-216 Polymer Injector? The M-216 features ground radar and electronic controls to monitor exact application of product, an easy-to-fill tank with oversized top lid, and a foam marker to let you see where you have made the installation of Nutrimoist L. ^ back to top 41. How large is the M-216? The M-216 is over 7 feet wide, 6 feet tall and about 9 feet long. It weighs 7,200 pounds with full tanks. ^ back to top 42. What are the other features of the M-216? The M-216 is easy to maintain. It features stainless steel couplings, chemical-resistant parts and composite plumbing to reduce corrosion. The M-216 is designed for ease of operation. A patented nylon manifold with drilled passages eliminates leaks. And, since feed lines go to the rollers instead of each injector, the number of hoses needed is greatly reduced. The M-216's safety features include an operator ladder with rails and non-skid platform, SMV and rear reflectors, hitch safety chain, and strategically placed warning labels. A rear bumper, air springs, relief valves, and a fuse-protected electrical system protect the equipment. The rinse tank features a faucet for operator convenience and clean up. Anchor MP™ ^ back to top 43. What is Anchor MP? Anchor MP is a new formulation intended for soil application to significantly improve net water infiltration, improve irrigation efficiency, and greatly reduce nutrient leaching and runoff. Through the use of a new technology, a concentrated formulation has been developed which means you can get great results while handling less product volume. ^ back to top 44. How does Anchor MP work? Anchor MP is a negatively charged, high molecular weight, linear copolymer. Soil particles and nutrients are positively charged. In the presence of aqueous fluids such as water and water-soluble nutrients, the negatively charged polymer structure of Anchor MP will bind to the positively charged soil particles and nutrients. This mixture of soil particles, nutrients, and Anchor MP is bound tightly together. The net effect of this process is improved water infiltration into soil. ^ back to top 45. How does Anchor MP break down? Anchor MP will stay active over a period of 4 - 5 weeks and then breaks down into carbon dioxide, water and ammonia. ^ back to top 46. How will Anchor MP help in irrigation? Research has shown Anchor MP delivers greater irrigation efficiency through improved water penetration and infiltration, less soil movement and erosion, cleaner runoff, less pesticide movement, and decreased water usage. ^ back to top 47. Are there other benefits of Anchor MP? Field research trials have shown that soil nutrient retention is greatly increased with the use of Anchor MP. Positively charged nutrients are electrostatically bound to the negatively charged sites along the Anchor MP polymer chain. This bond is strong enough to slow leaching, thus making these nutrients available over longer time periods for plant uptake. Further laboratory results show over 30% additional nitrogen is retained in the soil where Anchor MP has been used. Anchor MP, through its binding activity, has key environmental benefits such as the limitation of soil erosion through cohesion, the reduction of soil compaction due to surface roughness from agglomeration, and significant reduction in soil, fertilizer, and pesticide loss due to run-off. ^ back to top 48. How do I apply Anchor MP? Anchor MP may be applied with normal application equipment. Anchor MP can be applied with a broadcast sprayer at a rate of 1.5 to 2 ounces per 1,000 square feet of turf mixed with a minimum of 1 gallon of water (1 gallon of Anchor MP with 30 gallons or more of water per acre). Anchor MP may also be applied through the irrigation system. For best results, apply ANCHOR MP after aeration and just prior to a normal irrigation cycle to improve soil penetration of the product. ^ back to top 49. How do I mix Anchor MP in my sprayer? Fill the sprayer at least ¾ full of water and begin agitation. Slowly add the Anchor MP to the sprayer tank. Always remove all screens prior to mixing. Any agitation system will work as long as you get adequate movement of the mix, (bypass or jet agitation works well). ^ back to top 50. How often do I need to apply Anchor MP? Anchor MP will last up to 4 - 5 weeks in the soil. For best results, apply Anchor MP at 5-week intervals to maximize product benefits. ^ back to top 51. What about mixing Anchor MP with liquid fertilizer or pesticides? It is not recommended to mix Anchor MP with liquid fertilizers or pesticides. ANCHOR MP will thicken fertilizers making it difficult to apply. Anchor MP may enhance the activity of many pesticides and may cause turf damage in hot, dry weather conditions. ^ back to top 52. Is Anchor MP a replacement to my current wetting agents? No. Wetting agents work by making "water wetter" but do nothing as a soil conditioner. Anchor MP is a soil conditioner increasing net water infiltration by maintaining and improving soil structure and works as a nutrient retention aid. ^ back to top 53. How does Anchor MP reduce soil sodium levels? Since Anchor MP significantly increases net water infiltration, soil sodium is moved downward through the soil profile away from the primary root zone. Studies have indicated reduced soil sodium levels from 15% to over 40% in the top twelve inches depending upon soil type. ^ back to top 54. What happens if Anchor MP is spilled? Dike the area using absorbent or materials such as sand or clay. Recover and contain as much product as possible using absorbent. Collect and store in suitable and closed containers for disposal. After cleaning, flush away traces with water. Prevent the spilled product or washings from reaching public sewers or waterways. Wear appropriate protective equipment during the cleanup. Ensure that tools and equipment are adequately decontaminated. Dispose of in accordance with federal, state and local regulations. ^ back to top 55. Are there special recommendations as to disposal of the Anchor MP container? Triple rinse empty containers and dispose of container in an approved landfill or by other procedures according to state or local guidelines. Do not re-use the container and do not use the container for other purposes. Canal Seal ^ back to top 56. What is Canal Seal? Canal Seal is a proprietary liquid linear polymer mixture of polyacrylamide which, when used according to directions, may significantly reduce water loss in canals due to leakage and seepage. ^ back to top 57. How does Canal Seal work? Canal Seal flocculates suspended soil particles in irrigation water thus increasing their molecular weight which promotes the heavy soil particles to drop to the bottom of the canal and seal existing cracks. ^ back to top 58. How is Canal Seal applied? Canal Seal can be applied in a broadcast application directly to the dry canal 2-5 days prior to the first water flow. ^ back to top 59. What is the recommended application rate for Canal Seal and can it be diluted with water? Canal Seal is recommended for use at 4 - 6 gallons per treated acre and can be applied in a broadcast application either diluted with water or by itself. ^ back to top 60. How do you determine "treated acres" for the application of Canal Seal? To calculate treated acres multiply the canal width by lineal feet and divide by 43,560 (square feet per acre). ^ back to top 61. What type of equipment is used to apply Canal Seal? Canal Seal can be applied with a sprayer. To prevent plugging, remove all screens prior to application. For applications not diluted with water, clear sprayer, pump, and lines thoroughly with crop oil to remove any water and/or product residues. For applications diluted into water, fill sprayer with appropriate volume of water and slowly add Canal Seal while maintaining agitation. ^ back to top 62. For applications diluted with water how much water per gallon of Canal Seal should be used? For best results, it is recommended to use 1 gallon of CANAL SEAL per 30 gallons of water, (additional water volumes may be necessary to accommodate various types of application equipment). Do not attempt to mix more than 1 gallon of Canal Seal with less than 30 gallons of water as the material may become too thick to spray. ^ back to top 63. Should the first water flow after treatment with Canal Seal be dirty so that it has adequate suspended soil particles? Yes!! Water without suspended soil particles will be unable to flocculate heavy particles dropping them to the bottom sealing the canal. ^ back to top 64. What happens if Canal Seal is spilled? Dike the area using absorbent or materials such as sand or clay. Recover and contain as much product as possible using absorbent. Collect and store in suitable and closed containers for disposal. After cleaning, flush away traces with water. Prevent the spilled product or washings from reaching public sewers or waterways. Wear appropriate protective equipment during the cleanup. Ensure that tools and equipment are adequately decontaminated. Dispose of in accordance with federal, state and local regulations. ^ back to top 65. How is Canal Seal stored? Store in original container only. Keep container tightly closed, do not allow water to be introduced into the contents of this container. Do not store near heat or open flame. Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents. Do not allow product to freeze in cold weather conditions. EXTEND™ ^ back to top 66. What is EXTEND? EXTEND is a new, unique formulation of a liquid linear polymer intended for soil application, which may significantly improve net water infiltration, improve irrigation efficiency, reduce soil sodium levels, and greatly reduce nutrient leaching and runoff. EXTEND reduces foreign matter when used as a harvest aid prior to harvesting most subsoil crops (peanuts, carrots, potatoes, beets, etc.). Through the use of a new technology, a concentrated formulation has been developed which means you can get great results while handling less product volume. ^ back to top 67. How does EXTEND work? EXTEND is a negatively charged, high molecular weight linear copolymer. Soil particles and nutrients are positively charged. In the presence of aqueous fluids such as water and water-soluble nutrients, the negatively charged polymer structure of EXTEND will bind to the positively charged soil particles and nutrients. This mixture of soil particles, nutrients, and EXTEND is bound tightly together. The net effect of this process is improved water infiltration into soil. ^ back to top 68. How does EXTEND break down? EXTEND will stay active over a period of 4 - 5 weeks and then breaks down into carbon dioxide, water and ammonia through exposure to ultraviolet light. ^ back to top 69. How will EXTEND help me in irrigation? Research has shown EXTEND delivers greater irrigation efficiency through improved water penetration and infiltration, less soil movement and erosion, cleaner runoff, less pesticide movement, and decreased water usage. As for moisture retention, treated soil keeps moisture in the top two inches of the soil longer, in some cases up to several days longer. ^ back to top 70. What are the other benefits of EXTEND? Research trials have shown that soil nutrient retention is greatly increased with the use of EXTEND. Positively charged nutrients are electrostatically bound to the negatively charged sites along the EXTEND polymer chain. This bond is strong enough to slow leaching, thus making these nutrients available over longer time periods for plant uptake. Further laboratory results show over 30% additional nitrogen is retained in the soil where EXTEND has been used. EXTEND, through its binding activity, has key environmental benefits such as the limitation of soil erosion through cohesion, the reduction of soil compaction due to surface roughness from agglomeration, and significant reduction in soil, fertilizer, and pesticide loss due to run-off. ^ back to top 71. How do I apply EXTEND? EXTEND can be applied through the irrigation system or in a broadcast application utilizing typical application equipment. EXTEND can be applied with a broadcast sprayer at a rate of 1 quart of EXTEND with 30 gallons or more of water per acre (additional water volumes may be necessary to accommodate various types of application equipment). ^ back to top 72. How often do I need to apply EXTEND? EXTEND will last up to 4 - 6 weeks in the soil. For best results, apply EXTEND just prior to or during the first irrigation. A second application may be necessary in 6 weeks depending on soil conditions to maximize product benefits. ^ back to top 73. What about mixing EXTEND with liquid fertilizer or pesticides? It is not recommended to mix EXTEND with liquid fertilizers or pesticides. EXTEND will thicken fertilizers making it difficult to apply. EXTEND may enhance the activity of many pesticides and may cause crop injury. ^ back to top 74. How does EXTEND reduce soil sodium levels? EXTEND is highly effective increasing net water infiltration. Since more irrigation water can penetrate the soil, sodium is moved lower through the soil profile. Your results may vary but studies conducted in West Texas have shown an average reduction of 27% in sodium levels in the top twelve inches of the soil profile. ^ back to top 75. Is EXTEND effective as a harvest aid? Yes. Applying 1 - 2 quarts of EXTEND per acre in the final irrigation before harvest makes the soil more "mellow" and less prone to crusting. Mellow soil isn't as likely to form "clumps" on root crops (a major cause of foreign material dockage charges). ^ back to top 76. What happens if EXTEND is spilled? Dike the area using absorbent or materials such as sand or clay. Recover and contain as much product as possible using absorbent. Collect and store in suitable and closed containers for disposal. After cleaning, flush away traces with water. Prevent the spilled product or washings from reaching public sewers or waterways. Wear appropriate protective equipment during the cleanup. Ensure that tools and equipment are adequately decontaminated. Dispose of in accordance with federal, state and local regulations. Read the Material Safety Data Sheet and follow the directions found on the label. Stockopam® ^ back to top 77. What is Stockopam? Stockopam is a dry granule formulation of a linear copolymer. It has a high molecular weight and is soluble in water. ^ back to top 78. How does Stockopam work? The surface of soil particles suspended in water becomes positively charged by cations that bind to the negatively charged soil particles. This binding action provides a bridge for the dissolved linear polymer's negatively charged structure to bind to the soil particles. The mixture of soil and polymer bind together (agglomeration) resulting in particles too large to remain suspended and consequently settle-out in the irrigation furrow. ^ back to top 79. What are the benefits of Stockopam? This activity greatly improves water infiltration and limits soil erosion through cohesion. It reduces soil compaction due to surface roughness from agglomeration; and, significantly reduces soil fertilizer and pesticide loss resulting from runoff and helps reduce sodium levels in the soil. ^ back to top 80. How is Stockopam applied? Stockopam is introduced into the irrigation head ditch or directly into the furrow at rates in the range of 12 to 18 ppm active ingredient based on application formula below. The total amount of polymer added will vary depending on irrigation flow rate. The product must be dissolved in turbid irrigation water to provide effective soil erosion control. The recommended full-rate field applications rate is 1 lbs/ac. However, the optimal application for a given field may range from 0.25 - 2 lbs/ac, depending on slope and soil factors. It is also recommended that American Soil's Pamjammer applicator be use for application into the irrigation canal. ^ back to top 81. How should Stockopam be stored? Stockopam is stable for more than two years when stored below 110° under dry conditions. ^ back to top 82. How do you clean a Stockopam spill? Wear appropriate protective equipment in that Stockopam is a mild irritant. Stockopam should be collected without the use of water in that the product becomes very slippery when wet. Thoroughly collect the granular material. Flush residuals down the drain with water for normal biological wastewater treatment. ^ back to top 83. What are the by-products when Stockopam breaks down? Exposure to ultra violet rays will breakdown the Stockopam polymer into ammonia, carbon dioxide, and water and is safe to use on all crops. Nutrimoist® H 2.5 ^ back to top 92. What is Nutrimoist H 2.5? Nutrimoist H 2.5 is a Soil Conditioner designed to aid in water infiltration. It is an organic-acid liquid formulation, of Acetic, Citric and Humic acid derivative blends with a pH of less than 2.5. It is safe to handle and does not burn. ^ back to top 93. What are the benefits of Nutrimoist H 2.5? Nutrimoist H 2.5 is particularly beneficial during periods when plants are starved for food and/or water. It is used to help buffer high pH and sodic soil conditions. It is ideal to assist in cleaning drip systems. ^ back to top 94. How is Nutrimoist H 2.5 applied? Nutrimoist H 2.5 is used with a standard fertilizer program and can be applied through the chemigation system at a rate of on Apply 10-30 gallons per acre, two to three times during the growing season for each crop. ^ back to top 95. What are the by-products when Nutrimoist H 2.5 breaks down?. After 90 days Nutrimoist H 2.5 will break down leaving short chain sugar carbons, which can help stimulate biological activity. ^ back to top 96. How do you clean a Nutrimoist H 2.5 spill and how is the product handled? Nutrimoist H 2.5 is harmful if swallowed if ingested drink water to dilute . Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing. In case of contact immediately flush with water. In case of spill, the product is non-toxic and biodegradable, dispose of left over material to the soil. Copyright© 2003-2008 American Soil Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Terms of Use || Privacy Policy