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Using Horta-Sorb® With Root Injections
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Super absorbent gels are used to gel up hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of liquids solutions from paint removers to toilet cleaners and drain cleaners.  Developed in the early 60’s the annual domestic volume of super absorbents used today is over one billion pounds.  It is really refreshing to know that progressive arbor professionals are now keen to know more about the ways that they too can better manage the liquids that they inject into the ground. 

  1. What benefits can I expect?  Presently the management of liquids that you pump into the ground ends when the liquid escapes from the end of your injector.  Using a gel will greatly reduce leaching and enable the liquid to be managed in the ground.  Because the liquid is better managed in the root zone less fertilizer, or pesticides, or water for that matter, will yield the same results as before.  Logical, isn’t it?
     
  2. What kind of liquids/chemical can I manage with a gel?  Super absorbents will absorb virtually any kind of liquid solution that is water-based including fertilizers and pesticides.
     
  1. What does absorbing the liquid do to the liquid?  Absolutely nothing besides absorbing the liquid.  Our super absorbent is not soluble.  When it absorbs liquids it does not mix with the liquid, or alter the chemistry of the liquid in any way, it simply absorbs it and manages it wherever you put it.
     
  2. Are super absorbents safe to use and handle?   From a toxicity standpoint super absorbents are safe.  I’ve been told that if you eat a pound, or two, you’d be really regular tomorrow as the product would pass through your system similar to eating three, or four of the sponges that you use to wash your car.  From a handling standpoint there are serious instructions to follow.  First, if dusty conditions exist, wear a dust mask.  Secondly, the product is EXTREMELY slippery when it is wet.  If you spill dry product on the floor, or on a ladder, and it becomes wet, it becomes as slippery as wet ice.  BE CAREFUL ! !
     
  1. How would I go about using the gel with my equipment?  Use the gel by adding it to your tank after everything else has been added.  Tank must be agitated.  DO NOT simply pour the absorbent into a tank of water as it will “gum ball” and take several hours to break apart and disperse.  Instead, pour dry super absorbent on to a wide-angle spray pattern from your hose to disperse the product over a larger area inside the tank.  Like riding a bike there’s a learning curve to the mixing procedure but thousands of nurserymen do it every year packaging and shipping bare root liners.  So hurry up and start mixing so that you can learn the curve.
     
  2. How much super absorbent would I need for a 500 gallon tank?  One pound will absorb about 20 gallons of water.  Aim to absorb 75% of liquid in tank. (18 ¾ lbs)
     
  3. What’s the cost per pound?  Anywhere from $4.00-$5.00 per pound depending on volume
     
  4. Can I over-use the product?    If you use too much product your pump will cavitate.   Keep adding water until the system is clear.
     
  5. Which product should I use?  Horta-Sorb® SM