Wetting and water conservation agents are used so that substrates, including soil, will hydrate uniformly when watered.
This is very important when the medium is dry, as it often is with new plantings, or if it is not watered on a regular basis. Occasionally, with new plantings, the irrigation water will ‘pond’ or ‘puddle’ on top or channel down the insides of the bag or container without readily infiltrating the medium. Both of these situations will use excessive water, and this could be eliminated by using a wetting and water conservation agent. Wetting agents work by creating an environment in the substrate that promotes uniform water movement and wetting.

More uniform distribution of water and dissolved nutrients allows plants to grow more vigorously and promotes optimum root growth. Improved air-to-water ratios, vital for optimum plant growth, are also established when a wetting agent is used. If the substrate or soil dries out between irrigation cycles, it will rewet rapidly and uniformly if a wetting and water conservation agent has been used. This can dramatically reduce the time it takes for water to infiltrate a medium, saving time and money with every watering.