A concentrated aqueous composition may be prepared by from a formulation including: a. from 10 to 30% by weight (% wt) of a depolymerized carboxymethyl cellulose having a weight average molecular weight of from about 10,000 to about 80,000 dalton (Da); b. from 15 to 50% of a compatibilizer selected from the group consisting of glycerol and sodium xylene sulfonate; and c. from about 0.5 to about 20% by weight of a surfactant. The concentrated aqueous solution may be employed to prepare an aqueous solution which is useful for moisturizing soil.