Australia’s agricultural businesses work hard to make water conservation and management a priority.

As growers acquire a better understanding of climate change and the likely impact on the environment and crop management, the demand for innovation and new technologies increases, says Agspec business manager Jon Corona.

“Agspec recognises the many challenges surrounding water resources and is excited to introduce AquiMax water retaining polymer and soil dispersing agent into the Australian market.

“A collaboration with US company Exacto, AquiMax is a patented pourable polymer formulation that combines soil dispersing agents and polyacrylamides (PAM) in a single easy to use formulation.

Mr Corona said Agspec’s research and in-field trials have found that AquiMax treatments not only improve soil aggregate stability and water retention, but significantly reduce run-off, silt, and both ammonia and nitrate-nitrogen loss.

“AquiMax can also overcome dry patches and help save water by reducing soil moisture variability. By lowering the surface tension of water in the soil, AquiMax allows water to penetrate the soil more broadly without affecting deep percolation.

“Additionally, less irrigation water is lost, and fertiliser efficiency increases, reducing the impact of nutrient loss. The ability of AquiMax to assist with lateral water movement in the soil results in a greater total root profile wetting ability,” he said.

“AquiMax is a sustainable and comprehensive solution for improving production and water management on marginal soils. It’s also an ideal tool for maintaining soil quality functions and improving resiliency to water stress across the orchard.

“Defined by its easy application, AquiMax can be utilised through your irrigation system and applied at critical times to prevent water stress. AquiMax also comes in a handy 2 x 10L pack size, making it simple to measure and apply to mixing tanks.”

Mr Corona said AquiMax applications should commence in early-mid October at 1–3 L/ha, applied two to three times per season, with a maximum application of 7.0 L/ha.