If you would like to know more about any product statements, ask to see the data. If data do not back the claim, you can at least proceed with that understanding and appropriately set your expectations.
The long answer is that we need more unified guidelines for wetting agent product claims as an industry. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has published standard terminology for adjuvants (ASTM E1519-16) and pesticides (ASTM E609-19). However, no such standards exist for wetting agents (or soil surfactants, soil wetters, retainers, penetrants, holders, pushers, flushers – you get the point!).
Exacto is currently working with ASTM’s D18 Committee on Soil and Rock to develop terminology and standards for wetting agent categorization and claims. We look forward to working with product manufacturers, researchers, and end-users to establish terms and standards that will be beneficial for everybody involved. We are looking for public feedback and would welcome all comments!
If you have any feedback or would like to learn more about wetting agents, please feel free to contact me at via email.