by Dr Cameron Beeck, General Manager
Aquifer soil wetter from 4Farmers combines conventional wetting with humectant technology to maximise germination across all soil types – here is how it captures recent rain and turns it into stronger crop establishment.
How Aquifer soil wetter captures rain and boosts germination
The recent movement of TC Narelle across WA delivered welcome rain to much of the Wheatbelt and Great Southern, especially for those who missed out during TC Mitchell a few weeks earlier. It has created a valuable window for early weed control. While some growers may be ready to start seeding off the back of this rain, for most across WA it is still a little early.
Fast forward a few weeks, once that moisture begins to move down the profile, how do you capture it and make the most of it? The answer is Aquifer from 4Farmers.
Aquifer is a new generation wetter that combines a conventional soil wetter with a majority proportion of humectant. This humectant acts like liquid organic matter in the soil, attracting and holding moisture, then releasing it back to the seed and developing plant when it is needed most.
Traditional wetters are primarily designed to address non-wetting soils. In contrast, wetter-retainers like Aquifer are built to be banded with the seed across all soil types. The result is a true germination maximiser, drawing moisture back into the seed zone to support strong, even establishment.
In dry seeding situations, with subsoil moisture, Aquifer helps make the most of a marginal start by holding moisture where it counts near the seed, rather than allowing it to wick away into dry inter-row areas. This can significantly reduce the risk of patchy, uneven germination in challenging conditions.
Trial work and feedback from independent agronomists consistently show Aquifer outperforming leading alternatives like SE14. In trials at Mindarabin last season, Aquifer delivered up to an 800 kg/ha yield advantage over the nil and 100 kg/ha over SE14. It is also easier to handle, with SE14 often becoming too thick to pump in cooler conditions. At around 35% lower cost, it has quickly become a preferred choice for many growers.
If maximising germination is a priority this season, there is still time to secure your supply. Call 9356 5445 or email sales@4farmers.com.au
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