OK, in "Drought" here, I've read of people intending to use Soil Moist but not the results of that. Also, I read a warning about the the soil not dispensing the absorbed water in a useful way. Have you tried it?

If it's the same type of polymer used in diapers I believe it breaks down over time, as salt causes it to melt.

I used polymers for 12 years when I landscaped. I would put them under my annuals when I planted them. It helped a lot. There are many granual sizes and it makes a huge difference on specific applications. The fine works great on cuttings. The big ones work great for vlandscasping plants. I remember, about 25 years ago when California was in a huge drought, and people didn't want to landscape, the landscapers were making a fortune with polymer injection machines. They would inject the polymers under the lawn to keep them green. They used to charge about $3000 to do a medium sized lawn.

Plantsman, that is really helpful. Thank you!

I have never used them in the ground but years go I tried them in a pot for my tomatoes. I think I used way too many. Then it rained for a week and I went out to che k the tomatoes and they were on the ground and there were huge gelatinous blobs in the pot sticking out of the dirt Lol. Never got brave enough to try them again.

Wow, this is a really interesting topic/idea.

I've used them in containers, and they do break down eventually. Another thing they're good for is making a nice ice pack to tie around your neck during the summer to keep your brain cool. I learned that from a lady who made them for her son's summer baseball team. Just soak the neck band, put it in the freezer, then stick it into the cooler to keep it cool, and VOILA!