5/1/2026 - By Dr. Raymond Snyder

Harrell’s developed a technology that, when incorporated into a wetting agent, helps maintain turf quality and color even during dry-down periods. This technology, which is called Osmotech™, is a foundational element in the formulation of Harrell’s patent-pending wetting agent, SurfaceRx ™.

So, what exactly is Osmotech, and how can it work into your program?

The Innovation of Osmotech

Osmotech refers to a proprietary formulation of compounds designed to protect plant health.

The technology supports the plant’s natural production of osmolytes. This enables the plant to cope with osmotic stress (drought/dry downs) without compromising the plant's overall physiological fitness.

Enhanced formulations containing Osmotech have been shown to improve season-to-season turf color, turf quality, and root characteristics (including surface area and visibility), all at a diminished soil water content. The examples below show a fertilized control versus turf treated with SurfaceRx™. The examples provide a visual that demonstrates the impact of SurfaceRx with Osmotech.

What Are the “Osmoprotectants” in Osmotech™?

Osmolytes (putting the “osmo” in osmoprotectant) are naturally occurring, highly soluble compounds produced by plants that help them to protect plant cells against increased salt levels. Because they are naturally produced, even at high concentrations, they remain non-toxic to the plant and continue to fulfill their role in enhancing plant stress tolerance.

Osmolytes stabilize enzymes and proteins in plant cells and actively protect photosynthetic systems. They improve plant cell integrity and metabolic function by reinforcing key biochemical pathways that respond to osmotic and oxidative stress. Osmotech™ delivers key plant drought-resilience molecules, leveraging well-established plant mechanisms to defend against environmental stressors.

How Can We Harness Osmotech™?

We’ve begun leveraging the power of Osmotech in the latest addition to our wetting agent line. Harrell’s HydroMAX SurfaceRx™ with Osmotech is a next-generation penetrant wetting agent designed to do more than simply move water through the soil profile. It works at both the soil and plant levels—providing improved water infiltration and distribution while helping turf better withstand drought stress. By supporting the plant’s natural ability to manage hydration, SurfaceRx™ with Osmotech™ promotes more consistent moisture availability and reduces the negative effects of localized dry spots.

Unlike traditional penetrants that focus solely on soil-water interactions, SurfaceRx™ improves overall turf performance by enhancing color, quality, and root development—even under challenging conditions. Its balanced approach to moisture management and plant health allows superintendents to maintain playability while building resilience, making it a valuable addition to any wetting agent program.

Conclusions and Takeaways for Osmotech™

Our patent-pending Osmotech™ formulation enhances plant tolerance to abiotic stress, improves turf quality, and increases resilience under drought/low volumetric water content. It allows for better turf consistency during “dry downs” and reduces your overall need for hand watering, especially during those brutal summer months.

SurfaceRx™ is a powerful new penetrant wetting agent that stands out among its peers. Its impact stems from the advantages of our novel Osmotech™ formulation. The future may hold more use cases for this technology, and we are excited to continue innovating to serve our customers well.

Connect with Your Harrell’s Rep to Learn More

SurfaceRx™ with its patent-pending Osmotech™ is already making waves among superintendents across the country and providing a new level of moisture control and penetration for turf. To learn more and discuss how SurfaceRx™ and any of the other products in Harrell’s lineup might be right for you, connect with your local Harrell’s Representative.

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