Zeoplant – Eco-Friendly Cost / Water Saving Soil

Additive for Modern Landscaping

Introduction :

Water consumption in UAE including Abu Dhabi has been growing at

double digit rates year-on-year. On an average, each resident of Abu Dhabi
uses 550 litres per day. As water is non-renewable and expensive in UAE
as it has been mainly produced from desalination plant, it is imperative to
conserve this resource. Town Planning Department has made the Pearl
sustainability rating system of estidama as mandatory for all new
developments. Pearl sustaianability rating system emphasizes mainly on
water saving. Water efficient landscaping practices can reduce the
consumption of irrigation water significantly to potential water saving.

What is Zeoplant

Zeoplant is moisture retaining soil ameliorant or soil additive, major

constituent of which are
1) Minerals derived from the rock pieces mined in Hungary and
2) Organic material
Both of these constituents are eco- friendly natural products, when added
to the agricultural soil in appropriate dosage based on the type of plant and
seasonal requirement, as per the method statement of application /
recommendation of the manufacturer, act as an extremely good water

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retainer in the soil and also reduce infiltration rate of soil, thereby reducing
water wastage.

Material Composition

1. Rhyolitic tuff and phyllo silicates which are rock type inorganic natural
minerals.
2. Cellulose, a natural organic fibre.

Chemical composition and Product characteristics

a. Chemical composition of the product is as listed below:-

PH value : 6.7 - 7.1

Potassium total : 3%
Soluble potassium : 0.7%
Nitrogen : 800 mg/kg
Phosphorous : 400 mg/kg
Calcium & Magnesium : 160 meq/kg

b. The physical characteristics of the product and how does it functions in

the soil

In the conventional irrigation practices, major proportion of the irrigation

water is unused as it passes through the sand layer down to the ground d
but in the case of Zeoplant incorporated soil, one of it’s constituent
rhyolitic tuff has high cationic exchange capacity which improves the soil

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structure, creates in soil surface full of capillaries of size 5-10 nanometer
enabling binding of high amount of water between these capillaries and
holding them even at high temperature, thus increasing more than twice
the efficiency of utilization of irrigation water for the intended purpose.

In addition, structure build up due to one of its mineral, locks up water

between plate shaped layers. The material releases more than 16 plants-
essential main and traces minerals that shall be utilized by the plants. The
natural organic constituent ensures tie-up of all component in an active
matrix and guards against soil erosion.

It’s large surface area and short depth liquid diffusion enables it to be active
immediately upon its addition to the soil and it bring to the system a chemo
taxing effect in the root location due to their cationic charges resulting in
nutrient provision to the plants which shall be easily absorbed.

This product increases the root forming capacity of the plants, a real boost
to its growth, due to active surface of its mineral rhyolitic tuff.

The volcanic origin takes over the role of humic material to make up for any
salt deficiency in the soil.

Zeoplant keep the irrigation water at the most effective root zone
preventing unnecessary wastage to lower layers.

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It changes normal soil into a good agricultural soil and its water retaining
capacity is achieved by its porosity, quantity of its colloidal and
microstructure mineral component.

Uses and Benefits

1. Reduces amount of irrigation water at least to 50% of the normal use.

2. Reduces the cost incurred on the following aspects which associated
with the reduced water demand.
a. Electricity .
b. Civil work required for storage tanks, pipes etc.
c. Maintenance of pumps and other equipment.
3. Reduced cost on fertilizer and saving on the operation involved in its
maintenance.
4. Healthy and faster growth of plants.
5. High content of nutrients useful to the plant.
6. No need for using peat moss at all.
7. Reduces carbon foot print.
8. Very simple procedures for installation / application.
9. Very useful for arid, dry region like Gulf.
10. It has prolonged effect in the soil lasting 30-40 years due to its slow
decomposition rate.
11. It is an eco friendly product and energy /water conserving product.

Installation and Application

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Installation/application is easy in operation, but it shall follow
manufacturer’s recommendation of dosage and application for each type
plant, season and soil.

Projects Completed / Approvals

In more than 35 landscaping projects including some of the major projects

involving some of prestigious consultants and clients, the material has been
used successfully. It is a proof that the material is worth using in similar
new projects.

Conclusion :

In an era where ‘sustainability’ is a buzzword in UAE, water retaining and

eco friendly soil additives can play a vital role in reducing the irrigation
water consumption in landscaping. Zeoplant is one of such water retaining
and eco friendly soil additive currently available in the market, which can be
tested on trial basis and if it is found suitable, it may be recommended for
the upcoming landscaping projects for potential water saving.

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