New Research Proves VYDRO® Substrate Can Keep Grass Greener
Huntsman Corporation says that new independent research proves that Huntsman’s popular ultra-lightweight, plant-growing material – VYDRO® substrate – is a highly effective medium for grass applications; a development expected to attract widespread interest from anyone involved in the development and upkeep of landscaped gardens and parks in areas prone to low rainfall and prolonged dry conditions.
Introduced in early 2011, VYDRO® substrate has exceptional water-retention qualities that make it an ideal medium for plant growth. The first flexible fabric of its kind, VYDRO® substrate was originally developed for use in green roofs and vertical walls. Now, a research study in Tunisia has proved that grass planted on top of a layer of VYDRO® substrate requires up to 40% less watering to remain lush and green.
The independent study was conducted in Tunisia by ENGREF1 (the French Forestry Education Institute) and the National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia2. Agronomy experts assessed the impact of water reduction on grass samples grown in controlled conditions both with and without VYDRO® substrate during a typically hot dry summer in Tunisia.
When irrigation was reduced by just 20%, the conventional grass samples went into stress and began to yellow, an effect that increased as water was further reduced. By contrast, grass planted on the VYDRO® substrate retained its green color, even when watering was reduced by 40%. The effect was clearly visible using just a 1cm layer of VYDRO® substrate under the turf.
Adopting VYDRO® substrate as a planting medium for grass offers major cost, time, environmental and aesthetic benefits. It provides landscapers with an easy means to create and maintain attractive grass landscaped areas that will continue to flourish during drought and dry periods. It also helps conserve water – an attractive proposition for planting schemes in municipal gardens, at recreational facilities and on business parks. VYDRO® substrate will also be of interest to enthusiasts in the home gardening sector who take pride in a perfect green lawn, no matter how dry the weather.
Tony Dent, Global Product Launch Manager at Huntsman Polyurethanes, said “VYDRO® substrate was created to help tackle climate change, manage water in a more intelligent way and promote sustainable horticultural applications. The Tunisia research study provides compelling evidence of the benefits that VYDRO® substrate can bring to support natural grass growth while enabling more effective use of scarce water supplies. We expect major interest from regions such as Southern Europe and the Middle East where long, hot summers are typical, as well as areas in the UK that can face extended water shortages.”
VYDRO® substrate has a unique capiliary structure that can absorb up to 30 times its own weight in water. It works by locking in exactly the right balance of air and water needed to optimize successful plant development. Plant roots can easily penetrate the inert, PH-neutral open structured foam enabling rapid growth.
VYDRO® substrate was developed by Huntsman – a global company with a reputation for excellence in the development of best-in-class materials for sustainable innovation. Less than a year after its launch, VYDRO® substrate has been installed in more than twenty locations, helping to transform metropolitan areas in all major regions of the world.