Superintendents can also use water-retaining agents in the root zone. Polymers are sponge-like granules made of synthetic material or starch that can absorb large amounts of liquid. They then contract and release the stored water into the soil. In this way, polymers can reduce the amount of water lost through percolation and evaporation, thus reducing irrigation requirements. In addition, they dissolve nutrients and absorb herbicides and pesticides.
Polymers can be expensive and difficult to inject into the soil.
However, as their use becomes more widespread, polymers will probably play an important role in future turf management. Properly treated effluent water can be an excellent source of water for irrigating golf courses. Turfgrass has the ability to use large quantities of organic waste that many other plants cannot withstand. Turf can utilize effluent water that might otherwise be wasted. Food crops may not use effluent water because of the chance of contamination in the human food supply.