Humko has announced two hydrogel-based products for green roofs and living walls in Kranj: the HYDROHUM water retention gel and PNC Hydrohum tablets. Both products are designed to help landscapers, facility managers, and property owners maintain adequate moisture levels in shallow substrates through dry periods, reducing the need for frequent irrigation.
More information is available at https://humko.eu/
The announcement responds to documented climate trends in Slovenia. Research on drought patterns in the country confirms that surface soil layers are especially vulnerable to drying during warmer months, even in years with above-average annual precipitation. Thin growing substrates on roofs and façades are particularly exposed to this effect, as they retain less moisture than ground-level planting beds. Humko's products are designed to address that risk by holding water in the root zone and reducing moisture loss between irrigation cycles.
The HYDROHUM water retention gel is a cross-linked polyacrylamide hydrogel. Each crystal absorbs up to 100 times its weight in water, and the resulting gel matrix holds up to 10 liters per 100 grams, releasing moisture as the surrounding substrate dries. The company describes the gel as an ionic pump, keeping dissolved nutrients within reach of roots rather than letting them leach through thin, fast-draining layers. It also stays stable across pH 4 to 9 and temperatures from -5°C to 40°C.
For planted beds, the recommended rate is 20 to 30 grams per square meter, worked into the top 10 to 15 centimeters. Containers and planter modules take 1 to 2 grams per liter of substrate. The company states the gel reduces watering by 50% and biodegrades over three to five years.
For individual plants and containers, PNC Hydrohum tablets pair a hydrogel reservoir with slow-release mineral nutrition. Each tablet has a water-holding capacity of 350 milliliters and contains NPK, micronutrients, and earthworm humus. Nutrient release responds to soil moisture and temperature over three to six months.
The tablets are placed 10 centimeters deep beside the root ball, at one tablet per 2 to 3 liters of substrate, which suits planters, green wall pockets, and rooftop containers. Each tablet activates within hours of watering. The PNC tablet technology is patent pending with the Slovenian Intellectual Property Office.
With more than 40 years of bio-innovation, Humko supplies professional growers, municipal parks, and landscape designers across Europe with bulk quantities, custom consultations, and tailored fertilizer solutions for specific project needs.
Landscapers, facility managers, and property owners planning green roof or living wall projects in Kranj can review product details or request a B2B quote at https://humko.eu/