SOCO Targets Root Zone Moisture During El Niño
Soil water retention is the focus of SOCO’s soil hydrogel guidance for growers facing 2026 El Niño irrigation constraints.
Qingdao SOCO New Material Co., Ltd. is promoting soil hydrogel technologies for growers managing irrigation constraints during the 2026 El Niño event. Agricultural regions across Asia-Pacific, Africa and South America face drought conditions and pressure on irrigation supplies. Indonesia, India, the Philippines and South Africa are among the countries experiencing significant impacts, according to reports from the United Nations World Food Programme and regional meteorological agencies. SOCO’s biodegradable soil hydrogel are designed to absorb and retain moisture, making stored water available as the surrounding root zone dries.
Managing Limited Irrigation
Prolonged water shortages can disrupt planting schedules and constrain crop production, particularly for smallholder farmers with limited irrigation infrastructure. SOCO presents root-zone moisture management as one measure alongside irrigation planning and soil management.
A regional agricultural analyst, said:
“El Niño-related water stress is putting pressure on farming systems. Growers need practical solutions that fit their existing operations and help crops make better use of available water.”
Root Zone Water Retention
The company says its soil hydrogels may help maintain root-zone moisture between watering events and support plant establishment during dry periods. The potential results depend on the crop, soil, water quality and application method.
SOCO’s field applications describe longer intervals between irrigation events where local conditions allow, improved moisture retention within the treated root zone, and support for transplant establishment and crop performance during dry periods. Product selection and dosage need to match the growing environment when assessing practical value.
Regional Technical Guidance
SOCO provides customized soil hydrogel solutions and technical guidance to partners across the Americas, Australia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Where available, local agronomists and distribution partners help tailor product recommendations to regional growing conditions and crop needs.
A SOCO technical representative, said:
“Our goal is to help growers make better use of the water available to them. As climate pressures increase, practical tools for root-zone moisture management can support more resilient production systems.”
Water Management Response
SOCO positions soil water retention technologies as one component of a response to El Niño-related water stress. The company says water management decisions should reflect local conditions, available resources and each crop’s requirements.
