Knowde Enhanced TDS
Identification & Functionality
- Agrochemical Functions
- Technologies
Features & Benefits
- Agrochemicals Features
- General Information
TRANSFORMER® is a soil conditioner that modifies soil water relations at a macro and micro-scale. Modifications to soil water relations result in changes to some key soil hydraulic properties such as infiltration, drainage, hydraulic conductivity, soil water retention and hydrophobicity. By improving these soil properties, water use can be improved as the applied water is available to the plant and is not lost through run-off, channeling or uneven wetting of the soil profile. The application of TRANSFORMER allows water to even infiltrate the micro-pores of compacted layers. Thereby the penetration resistance of the compact layer is alleviated, and this will allow root growth.
- Key Benefits
- Improved the infiltration rate of water in soil.
- Improves infiltration of water in compacted soils, resulting in lower penetration resistance and less restriction of root growth.
- Improves lateral water distribution in soil.
- Reduces hydrophobicity and improves water retention through better distribution in sandy soils.
- Multiple Benefits
By improving the soil conditions, TRANSFORMER:
- Improves the infiltration rate of water in heavy soil
- Reduces waterlogging, runoff and leaching
- Improves infiltration of water in compacted soil, resulting in lower penetration resistance and less restriction of root growth
- Improves lateral water distribution in soil reduces hydrophobicity and improves water re- tention through better distribution in sandy soil
- Favors the development of feeder roots
- Increases the availability and absorption of nutrients
- Enhances the soil aeration
- Improves the uniform distribution of soil-applied pesticides, herbicides and nutrients
- Proven to cause water to penetrate into soil deeper and more evenly. TRANSFORMER reduces waterlogging of compacted areas and consequently reduces the risk of disease and reduced yield.
- TRANSFORMER allows water to spread over a larger area thereby displacing more CO2 which is then replaced with Oxygen and Nitrogen. Microbes and roots are then able to use the available Oxygen and Nitrogen. The improved soil conditions allow this cycle to continue.
- Product Highlights
- Increases Feeder Root Growth - The improved hydraulic conductivity and an increase in aerobic function in soil results in explosive feeder root growth. The expanded surface area and root mass of the feeder roots greatly increase the root/soil / nutrient contact surface area.
- Optimizes Nutrient Uptake & H2O Transport - The increase in root surface area optimizes the uptake of water and nutrients such as N, P, K, Zn, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn from the soil. This growth has demonstrated the ability to reduce plant stress, accelerate canopy expansion, improve the uniformity of crop ripening and increase yields.
- Stimulates Microbial Activity - Better soil aeration results in increased microbial activity which leads to enhanced nutrient utilization. Additionally, properly aerated soil hosts fewer moisture-related root diseases such as Phytophthora spp.
- What To Except
- A single treatment per season improves the infiltration rate of water for subsequent irrigation cycles. In some cases a follow-up application may be advisable depending on soil texture and soil limitations.
- Improved infiltration into the micro-pores will lead to:
- Less run-off of irrigation water, therefore more effective use of water
- Improved moisture content in compacted layers, resulting in less penetration resistance and better conditions for root development
- Improved drainage on soils that are prone to water-logging
- Improved oxygen levels in soil
- Increased availability of nutrients
- Soil conditions are more favorable for root growth and proliferation of micro-organisms
- Trials have shown improved root growth and stimulation of Rhizobium nodules on legume crops as a result of better aeration and drainage of soil.
- Less restriction of root growth in soils where compaction or water-logging are limiting factors. When penetration of water into compacted layers is improved, the penetration resistance is reduced which facilitates root growth into these layers.
- Under drip irrigation, the application of TRANSFORMER improves lateral distribution of water. The result is more uniform soil moisture distribution and less fluctuation between irrigation cycles.
Applications & Uses
- Markets
- Applicable Crop
- Application Technique
- Mode Of Action
As it is a blend of surfactants TRANSFORMER® lowers the surface tension of water allowing changes in the cohesive forces, as well as the adhesive forces between soil and water. The mode of action is ascribed to changes in soil hydraulic properties due to lowering the surface tension of water and consequently also modifying the interaction of water with the soil surface.
TRANSFORMER® should ideally be applied through an irrigation system; drip, micro-sprinkler or overhead irrigation system. However, TRANSFORMER® can also be applied onto bare soil pre-planting, at planting or post-planting with a boom sprayer.
In loam or sandy soils,
- Apply 5 - 10 l/ha of TRANSFORMER®
- Start to moisten the soil with water only during the first 25 % of the irrigation process
- Inject 5 - 10 liters/ha during the following 50 % of the irrigation process, to improve its distribution
- End the irrigation process with water only to ensure that TRANSFORMER® will be adequately washed into the soil.
In heavy soils or when there is a superficial crust,
- Follow the same sequence as in the preceding paragraph with a rate of 10 - 15 liters/ha at 5 liters/ha applications every 15 days.
- The dilution rate should not exceed more than 1 liter of TRANSFORMER® per 1000 liter of water (concentration ≤ 0,1 %).
- Phytotoxicity
No root damage has been observed after treatment with TRANSFORMER®, even on seedling roots. If the application of TRANSFORMER® is made over plant leaves, the concentration should not be higher than 0.1%.
- How Transformer Works
TRANSFORMER can lower the surface tension of water. When applied to soil, this results in improvements of key soil hydraulic properties; such as infiltration, drainage, hydraulic conductivity, soil water retention and hydrophobicity.
By improving these soil properties the applied water is available to the plant and is not lost through run-off, channeling or uneven wetting of the soil profile.
The application of TRANSFORMER allows water to even infiltrate the micro-pores of compacted layers. Thereby the penetration resistance of the compact layer is alleviated, and this will allow root growth.
An increase of the root system and especially feeder roots, entails more uptake of water and nutrients.
As the soil conditions are improved by TRANSFORMER, the performance of soil-applied products is optimized.
Properties
- Physical Form
- Odor
- Citrus
- Soluble in
- Water
- Physical Properties
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| pH (20°C) | 7 - 8 | - | - |
| Flash point (725mmHg) | min. 90.3 | °C | - |
| Vapour Pressure (25°C) | 186.4 | Pa | - |
| Density (20°C) | 0.995 - 1.025 | g/cm³ | - |
| Relative Density (20°C) | 0.98 - 1.15 | - | - |
| Viscosity (20°C) | 100 - 200 | mPa/s | - |
Regulatory & Compliance
- Classification
- H319 - Causes serious eye irritation.
- H412 - Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
- P264 - Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
- P273 - Avoid release to the environment.
- P280 - Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
- P305+P351+P338, If In Eyes - Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
- P337+P313 If eye irritation persists - Get medical advice/attention.
- P501 - Dispose of contents/container to industrial combustion plant.