OARS Flyer-Evans
4/30/04
12:59 PM
Page 1
OARS represents a major breakthrough in
dealing with water-repellent soils. Unlike
surfactants and other soil amendments
that just alleviate the symptoms of soil
water -repellency, OARS also removes the
cause of water repellency—the build-up
of organic substances that coat the surface
of coarse-textured sand particles. Golf
course superintendents that use OARS will
now be equipped to manage water movement problems in their soil profile as well
as take corrective action to remove
hydrophobic deposits from the soil particle
surface.
Researchers generally agree that the cause of water-repellency
in soils is the result of organic coatings on the soil particles.
Research also suggests that these coatings are the result of naturally-occurring microbial breakdown of organic matter (thatch,
plant tissue, root exudate, fungal exudate and fungal hyphae)
that produce high molecular weight polymer compounds.
Humic substances, such as humic acid and fulvic acid, have
been identified as compounds that contribute to the formation
of hydrophobic organic coatings on soil particle surfaces.
When subjected to repeated wet-dry cycles, these humic substances undergo structural changes that render the soil particle
water-repellent. Because of their small surface area, coarsetextured sands used to construct greens and tees are highly
susceptible to becoming water-repellent. There is a strong
correlation between humic substances on soil surfaces and
localized dry spot (LDS) and non-uniform movement of
water in greens and tees.
Electron microscope photo of hydrophillic “clean sand.”
SURFACTANTS –
A MANAGEMENT APPROACH
The application of surfactants is a valuable tool used by golf
course superintendents to temporarily alleviate symptoms of
water-repellency. Soil surfactant molecules are attracted to the
water-repellent (non-polar) coatings on soil surfaces.
Surfactant molecules attach to these coatings and create sites
where water can attach to the soil surface (adhesion). Reestablishment of water attachment sites on soil particles promotes the uniform movement of water into and through the
soil matrix and improves the amount of available water to
meet transpirational and metabolic demands of the turfgrass.
It should be remembered that surfactants are used to maintain
reduced levels of water-repellency and manage its symptoms.
Surfactants cannot and do not deal with the cause of waterrepellency—organic coatings on the soil particle surface. Indeed,
biodegradation of the surfactant molecules will return the soil
profile to its pre-treatment water-repellent state.
Electron microscope photo of hydrophobic
sand showing humic substance coating.
OARS –
TAKING CORRECTIVE ACTION
OARS is a patented combination of an organic solvent and a
surfactant complex that, under extensive testing, has proven to
be effective in removing accumulations of hydrophobic humic
substances on soil surfaces. OARS represents a major breakthrough in dealing with water-repellent soils. Unlike surfactants
and other soil amendments that just alleviate the symptoms of
soil water-repellency, the chemistries in OARS work to correct
the cause of water repellency.
OARS Flyer-Evans
4/30/04
12:59 PM
Page 2
HOW DOES OARS WORK?
OARS should be applied to soils using conventional spray
equipment. Its surfactant components attach to the non-polar
sites on hydrophobic soil surfaces and thatch to provide:
• Uniform movement of water into and through
the soil matrix
• Patterns of wetting and re-wetting that will improve the
amount of water in the soil to meet transpirational and
metabolic demands of turfgrass
• Long lasting surfactant activity
As the humic polymer molecules unfold, they reach a threshold
point and break (“flake off”). The patented formulation of
OARS encourages the unfolding process by hydrating the
humic substance molecule. This facilitates monomer separation
and also aids in moving the fragments of the humic substance
polymer through the soil profile.
In addition to its surfactant characteristics, OARS contains an organic solvent
that weakens the chemical bonds of
“packed” or “collapsed” humic substances that coat the surface of soil
particles. The organic solvent in
OARS disrupts the hydrogen
bonds on the humic substance
molecule which allows the polymer structure to reconfigure,
“unfold” and undergo “polymer
swelling.” The surfactant component also aids in the hydration of
the unfolded humic molecule.
TEST RESULTS – 27% REDUCTION
IN HUMIC SUBSTANCES FROM
SAND SOIL SURFACES
OARS has been thoroughly researched and tested to verify
its ability to remove humic substances from hydrophobic
sands. Replicated trials were conducted on hydrophobic sands
comparing two treatments of OARS with two water treatments
used as a control.
The sand samples were then flushed with water, dried, and
the remaining humic substances were removed from the sand
samples, measured, and analyzed according to methods
approved by the International Humic Substance Society
(IHSS). Results were consistent. After just two treatments with
OARS, over 27% of water-repellent humic substances were
removed from the sand soil surfaces.
USE DIRECTIONS
Apply OARS at 6-7 oz. per 1000 sq. ft. in 2 gallons
of water. For best results, apply monthly throughout the growing season. No water-in is required
when used at recommended rates.
5484 S. OLD CARRIAGE ROAD
ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. 27803
1-252-937-4107 • 1-800-394-1551
Distributed by:
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Active Ingredients:
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APPLICATION RATES
Maintenance Program
Tank mix 4 ounces per 1000 ft2 in 2 gallons
of water (127 ml per 100 m2 in 8 L). Repeat
application at 30 day intervals throughout
the growing season.
Inject 4 to 6 quarts per acre (9.4 to 14.0 L
per hectare). Repeat application at 30 day
intervals throughout the growing season.
High Water Repellency Program
Apply 6 to 8 ounces per 1000 ft2 in 3 gallons
of water (191 to 255 ml per 100 m2 in 12 L).
Reapply at 4 ounces per 1000 ft2 in 2 gallons
of water (127 ml per 100 m2 in 8 L) at 15 day
intervals until turf conditions improve. Begin
monthly treatment or apply as needed at 4
ounces per 1000 ft2 in 2 gallons of water (127
ml per 100 m2 in 8 L).
Distributed by:
5484 S. Old Carriage Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27803
800-394-1551 • 252-937-4107
www.aquaaid.com
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• Cost effective
• Reduces water tension
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COMPOSITION
Aqua-Aid Penetrant is a non-toxic, nonionic, non-flammable, non-corrosive and
biodegradable water base formulation of
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Active Ingredients:
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Aqua-Aid Penetrant is available in 55, 30 and
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APPLICATION RATES
Golf and General Turf
Tank mix 2 to 4 ounces per 1000 ft2 in 2 gallons
of water (64 to 127 ml per 100 m2 in 8 liters).
Apply two applications the first month at a
15 day interval. Repeat with 2 to 4 ounces (64
to 127 ml) at 30 day intervals throughout the
growing season.
Inject 1 to 4 quarts per acre (2.3 to 9.4 liters
per hectare). Apply two applications the first
month at 15 day intervals. Repeat with 1 to 2
quarts per acre (2.3 to 4.7 liters per hectare)
at 30 day intervals throughout the growing
season.
• Low rates
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• Compatible with most tank sprays
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Distributed by:
5484 S. Old Carriage Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27803
800-394-1551 • 252-937-4107
www.aquaaid.com