a composite , time - delayed , polymer - coated , granulated material for maintaining hydration in plants is formulated to delay acceptance of water in order to operate in drilling , plugging , and disking equipment used for aeration , soil amendment , or both . whether potted or outdoors , whether relying on a third - material binder or a small , hydrated portion of the polymer itself as a binder , the material may be injected or otherwise placed below the surface of soils . water is eventually absorbed sufficiently to expose the bulk of the hydrating particles attached to each granule . addition of the granulated material as a soil amendment resists dehydration normally occurring in plants between waterings , yet its initial delay in hydrating supports water - jet injection and soil integration by resisting premature expansion from hydration .