Saponin/soap nuts and similar wetting agents?

[pulchripes]

So I've always been fine without using these, but wanted to give them a shot, but then it triggered a question.. soap works as a surfactant and basically softens the cells of microorganisms and causes them to burst and die, that's basically how soap works, so is this not killing off beneficial bacteria in the soil?

 

[GenericEnigma]

So I've always been fine without using these, but wanted to give them a shot, but then it triggered a question.. soap works as a surfactant and basically softens the cells of microorganisms and causes them to burst and die, that's basically how soap works, so is this not killing off beneficial bacteria in the soil?

I thought only anti-bacterial soap kills micros (and only select ones), and the surfactant nature of soap surrounds and washes away dirt/germs.

If I wanted to use a surfactant in my medium, I would use yucca anyway.

 

[meangreengrowinmachine]

So I've always been fine without using these, but wanted to give them a shot, but then it triggered a question.. soap works as a surfactant and basically softens the cells of microorganisms and causes them to burst and die, that's basically how soap works, so is this not killing off beneficial bacteria in the soil?

I use the Q from build a soil, great stuff!

 

[Star Dog]

Soap/wetting agent/detergent disrupts surface tension that's why it's important, water wants to bead and run off leafs, without surface tension it completely coats leafs and its much more effective especially when spraying for pests.

 

[FmSwayze]

I use yucca as my wetting agent, may want to look into it.

 

[pulchripes]

Soap/wetting agent/detergent disrupts surface tension that's why it's important, water wants to bead and run off leafs, without surface tension it completely coats leafs and its much more effective especially when spraying for pests.

I know, I'm wondering about the microbial level effects

 

[Star Dog]

I know, I'm wondering about the microbial level effects

What significance is microbial level to foliar feeding?