This data record the results and analysis of a pot trial that was carried out under controlled environmental conditions. This was designed to observe the effects of the addition of a non-ionic surfactant (NIS) and deficit irrigation on the growth parameters of wheat and tomato crops. The irrigation rates were set from a controlled (well irrigated field capacity) to varying degrees of deficit. The growth parameters followed the key aspects of plant development from germination, in season to post harvest biomass readings. The application of the NIS followed controlled, recommended and above average rates to observe any effects on crop physiology.