The invention concerns a composition which increases water retention and water absorption in a plant media, such as soil. In particular, the invention relates to a biodegradable polymeric water retention concentrate that when diluted and applied to various plant media improve water, fertilizer and nutrient retention in plant media with no root uptake or phyto-toxic effects. The composition includes a polyacrylamide (PAM), a water softener, a surfactant and nutrients. The composition can be delivered to the plant media through existing irrigation systems and nutrient/fertilizer delivery systems, such as venturi, fertigator, separate mixing tank or any induction system.