Abstract: Hydrogel-forming components may be applied to soil in dry or wet formulations. After migrating to a targeted area, such as a root zone of a plant, particularly turfgrass, and after a triggering event such as a change in concentration, the hydrogel-forming components form a hydrogel in situ in the targeted area. The compositions and methods of the disclosure advantageously allow for direct application of hydrogel-forming components using existing equipment (such as, for example, sprayers) without tilling or disrupting the plants to which the compositions are applied. Hydrogel-forming components comprise one or more backbones, one or more crosslinkers, and, optionally, one or more adjuvants.

Abstract: A method of reducing downward migration of a pesticide (optionally in soil or turf), comprising applying a composition comprising a pesticide that is solubilized in a water-immiscible solvent to form an oil in water emulsion or an emulsifiable concentrate, wherein said pesticide exhibits superior performance against a targeted pest due to decreased downward migration in soil as compared with said pesticide which is not in an oil in water emulsion or emulsifiable concentrate form.