As California growers face increasing pressure to improve water efficiency, companies are continuing to develop tools aimed at maximizing every irrigation pass. Fred Nichols, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Huma, says the company’s SURF-MAX® technology is designed to help growers improve both water distribution and nutrient delivery.
Nichols explained that SURF-MAX® differs from traditional surfactants because it combines irrigation management with enhanced nutrient compatibility. The product is formulated using Huma’s proprietary micro carbon technology, a carbon-rich humate-based material designed to help carry nutrients and crop protection products more effectively through the soil profile.
According to Nichols, the technology improves bio-availability by helping nutrients move where they are needed most while remaining compatible with fertigation systems and other crop inputs. “We like to say our carbon-based products are plant friendly because plants love carbon,” he said.
Seven-Year Study Shows Water Savings
Huma recently highlighted results from a seven-year field study conducted in Spain, where production systems and climate conditions share similarities with California specialty crop production. The trials evaluated SURF-MAX® across several crops and showed irrigation water savings ranging from 15 percent in tomatoes to as much as 30 percent in broccoli.
The study also showed improvements in nutrient uptake. In processing tomatoes, researchers observed higher levels of several nutrients, including iron, phosphorus, potassium, and copper. Nichols noted that crop uniformity also improved during the trials, with crops maturing more consistently across the field.
California Registration Opens New Opportunities
Nichols described the company’s California registration as a major milestone, especially as growers continue to deal with tightening water restrictions and increasing pressure to improve irrigation efficiency.
While he emphasized that no single product can solve every water challenge, Nichols believes SurfMax can serve as another management tool for growers looking to improve efficiency and potentially reduce input costs.
For more information, visit huma.us.