Beaverton, Oregon
February 10, 2005
Absorbent Technologies, Inc.
(ATI) introduces Zeba®, a groundbreaking natural way to deliver
water and nutrients to turf
The most advanced starch-based
soil amendment for improved turf establishment has received a
U.S. patent. When applied, Zeba® soil amendment absorbs moisture
and water soluble nutrients, then releases them over and over as
demanded by turf plant roots. The result is more vigorous growth
and a healthier stand.
Zeba was developed and is being
manufactured and marketed by Absorbent Technologies, Inc. (ATI),
based at Beaverton, Ore. Holders of the patent are the
father-and-son team of William Doane, Ph.D., who developed the
concept used for Zeba during his 32-year tenure with the United
States Department of Agriculture, and Steven Doane, a chemist
who helped further develop Zeba. Both are advisors to ATI.
Leveling the Ups and Downs of
Nature
“Zeba offers turf managers a
new, environmentally safe way to control water and nutrient
intake for optimal germination, growth and stand durability,”
says Todd Mason, vice president, research and agronomy, ATI.
“Repeated independent testing
over seven years has shown Zeba significantly shortens seed
germination time, accelerates emergence, reduces dry spots and
minimizes compaction,” adds Mason. Zeba helps turf stands
develop a deeper, stronger root structure to reduce watering
needs, crowd out weeds and increase turf survival in hot, dry
conditions.
Flexible application methods
and multiple uses make Zeba a logical addition for almost any
turf location. Zeba can be applied:
-
as a seed
coating to enhance germination;
-
as a soil
amendment during initial seeding for faster germination and
strong stand development; or
-
to reduce
localized dry spots for improved water percolation and
dispersion.
Natural Water, Nutrient
Delivery System
Made from natural cornstarch,
Zeba is biodegradable, nontoxic and virtually odorless. Each
particle can absorb up to 400 times its weight in water, then
release and reabsorb water repeatedly as needed by the turf
plant, remaining effective for up to one year. This action keeps
water available to the plant, but prevents oversaturated
conditions that can damage turf and decrease growth performance.
“The expansion and contraction
of each particle in response to water availability and demand
also helps aerate the soil, providing more oxygen to the root
system,” explains Mason. The result is reduced compaction and
enhanced turf performance.
Zeba, with its natural
starch-based formulation, has up to twice the water-holding and
water-yielding capacity as previously developed superabsorbent
products, known as synthetic polyacrylamides (PAMs).
“While superabsorbent products
have been available since the 1970s, the earlier products are
petroleum-based,” explains Milan Savich, president and chief
executive officer, ATI. “They are successful at absorbing water,
but can‘t effectively release it. The PAMs actually compete with
plants for water.
“Zeba is different,” he adds.
“Not only does it protect and slowly release moisture as
required by the turf for optimal, consistent growth, but Zeba
also more efficiently delivers water-soluble nutrients to the
root structure. Managers can reduce irrigation costs up to 25
percent, maximize their nutrient and other chemical investments
and get the most value possible from their turf.
“We are still exploring the
many uses of this next-generation superabsorbent product,”
Savich adds. “With increased pressure to control the amount of
irrigation water used and the amount of water Mother Nature
sends our way, Zeba can provide the peace of mind and consistent
performance turf managers need.”
Absorbent Technologies, Inc.
(ATI), based in Beaverton, Oregon, is the world leader in the
development and manufacturing of starch-based superabsorbent
products that are specifically formulated to optimize the
quality of turf. The company's patented Zeba® branded products
repeatedly hold and release water in the root zone, reducing
moisture stress in plants. By creating a more favorable growing
environment, Zeba also improves stand establishment and plant
consistency. The company's products are sold for commercial
agricultural production, turf and ornamentals, reforestation,
seed coating, and at retail to lawn and garden enthusiasts. The
foundation for Zeba's technology was created initially by United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA) researchers and has been
further developed by ATI through its patents. The company
maintains two exclusive Cooperative Research and Development
Agreements with the USDA for ongoing advancements in
starch-based technologies. ATI began large-scale commercial
manufacturing of Zeba in 2004 at company-owned facilities in
Albany, Oregon. |
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