Having trouble getting water to soak into your lawn? Learn why your soil may be hydrophobic and how Geoponics products like Penterra and SoilPlex can fix water absorption issues and help your lawn thrive.
Why Is My Lawn Soil Not Absorbing Water? (And How to Fix It)
You turn on your sprinklers or hose down the lawn… but the water just sits there—or worse, runs off. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. A surprising number of lawns suffer from soil that simply won’t absorb water. It’s not just frustrating—it’s wasteful and can lead to dead patches, thin grass, and high water bills.
In this blog, we’ll explain why your soil might be repelling water, how this problem forms, and how Geoponics’ professional-grade solutions can restore proper water absorption and revive your turf.
Common Signs Your Lawn Soil Isn’t Absorbing Water
- Water beads up and runs off instead of soaking in
- Dry patches remain after watering
- Pooling or puddling in low areas
- Grass looks dry or stressed despite irrigation
If you’re experiencing these issues, your soil might be hydrophobic—meaning it literally repels water.
What Causes Soil to Become Hydrophobic?
Hydrophobic soil occurs when organic materials break down and coat soil particles with a waxy residue. This often happens in:
- Sandy soils (common in Florida and dry climates)
- Areas with thatch buildup
- Lawns with compacted or nutrient-deficient soil
- After prolonged drought conditions
Once soil becomes hydrophobic, water can’t penetrate the surface effectively. Even heavy irrigation won’t help—until you treat the cause.
How to Fix Soil That Won’t Absorb Water
Fortunately, there are fast, effective ways to fix this problem—and you don’t need to tear up your lawn to do it.
1. Break the Water Barrier with Penterra
Penterra by Geoponics is one of the most powerful wetting agents on the market. It breaks the surface tension of water, allowing it to penetrate the soil immediately and distribute evenly into the root zone.
Benefits of Penterra:
- Fixes dry spots fast
- Improves water infiltration and distribution
- Reduces runoff and water waste
- Safe for all grass types and landscapes
- Helps improve fertilizer uptake
How to use Penterra:
- Apply with a hose-end or tank sprayer
- Use monthly or as needed
- Water in lightly after application for best results
2. Rebuild Soil Health with SoilPlex
Hydrophobic soil isn’t just a surface issue. The deeper problem often lies in depleted, compacted, or low-organic soils.
That’s where SoilPlex, a humic acid-based soil amendment from Geoponics, helps. It conditions your soil from the inside out, restoring moisture-holding capacity and microbial health.
Benefits of SoilPlex:
- Enhances soil structure and moisture retention
- Increases nutrient uptake
- Adds organic matter and improves CEC
- Safe and easy to apply with irrigation or spray systems
How to use SoilPlex:
- Apply through irrigation or foliar spray
- Repeat monthly or during growing season
- Combine with Penterra for a 1-2 punch solution
3. Dethatch and Aerate (If Needed)
If you haven’t dethatched or aerated in over a year, it may be time. Thatch buildup and compacted layers can prevent water from getting into the root zone.
- Dethatch in early spring or fall
- Aerate when soil is moist, using core or spike aerators
While not always necessary, pairing these physical treatments with Penterra and SoilPlex creates ideal soil conditions for water and root penetration.
Real Results: What Lawn Experts Say
“We used Penterra to treat hydrophobic soils on golf greens, and it made a difference in hours—not days. Water moved in fast and held where it was needed.”— Golf Course Superintendent, Arizona
“Penterra and SoilPlex are part of our drought recovery program. They save water, save time, and our turf looks amazing.”— Sports Turf Manager, Southern California
Where to Buy Penterra and SoilPlex
You can order Geoponics’ soil solutions directly from:
• Amazon
• Or contact Geoponics at info@geoponicscorp.com for bulk and distributor pricing