All The Facts - FAQ's
ABOUT ZEBA AND HOW IT WORKS |
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Q. In a nutshell, what is Zeba?A. Zeba is a patented soil amendment that improves seed germination and emergence to give plants an early, healthy start. Zeba granules absorb up to 400 times their original weight in water and water-soluble nutrients present in the soil, forming hydrogels that slowly release the held moisture as plants need it. Zeba increases the quality and yield of plants, while using less water. It's a versatile product that can be used for most any home and garden plant, on the farm, at commercial nurseries and landscape services, etc. Q. Does Zeba physically change the amount of water a plant needs for optimum growth?A. Plants require a specific amount of water for optimal growth. Zeba doesn't change that amount, but it does manage water more efficiently. Instead of water being dispersed into the soil or evaporating, it is absorbed by Zeba and held for the plant to use as needed. This "bound water" more effectively and efficiently nourishes the plant to reduce the total amount of water applied, typically by 25% although 'your mileage may vary.' Q. Does Zeba change the nature of the moisture it absorbs?A. No, Zeba triggers no chemical reactions. Zeba merely absorbs moisture and any water-soluble nutrients it contains, and remains suspended in the plant root zone, storing the moisture and nutrients in plant-available form. Q. Is Zeba suitable for only one type of soil?A. No, Zeba provides benefits to all soil types. Soil particles in sandy soils are relatively large and have poor water-holding capability. Zeba holds water, preventing it from moving past plant roots where it is needed most. Clay soils, which are more compacted, benefit from the increased aeration created as Zeba expands and contracts, which increases oxygen levels and water percolation. Q. Will increased moisture near the root structure cause root rot?A. Zeba granules will expand to many times their original volume, then contract and repeatedly expand based on the water available. This action forces soil particles apart, increasing aeration—the key element required to prevent root rot. Once the granules reach their maximum absorption, excess water is allowed to move deeper into the soil profile. This combination of ideal water availability and good aeration promotes faster plant growth and minimizes the potential for root rot. |
Q. Will I always notice a difference in plant growth by using Zeba?A. During most growing seasons, fields treated with Zeba will show a definite advantage in seedling emergence, seedling vigor and plant development. However, when environmental conditions are ideal for plant development and growth, Zeba results may not be markedly different from untreated fields. Q. How often do I apply Zeba?A. In general, we recommend a fresh application with any new planting or yearly. This ensures that Zeba is in close proximity to seeds (to accelerate germination) and roots. Q. How does Zeba benefit transplanted plants?A. When Zeba is applied in the transplant water, plants have a consistent source of moisture leading to less water stress, better survival rate and greater plant root and biomass development for higher yields. Q. How does Zeba help increase uniformity in plant maturity and across my lawn or field?A. By applying Zeba in seed furrows at planting, the germinating seed and seedlings have a constant supply of moisture and nutrients available for a more complete, consistent germination and seedling emergence. Zeba removes variances caused by dry spots in the field (or uneven sprinklers) for more uniform stands and plant development. Q. What are the key benefits of Zeba as an anti-crustant?A. Zeba keeps the soil surface moist and minimizes crusting by creating small fissures in the soil as granules absorb and release moisture. This allows more seedlings to penetrate the surface and become established. Q. How does Zeba benefit transplanted plants, when Zeba is used as a liquid slurry?A. When Zeba is applied in the transplant water, plants have a consistent source of moisture leading to less water stress, better survival rate and greater plant root and biomass development for higher yields. |
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Q. I've tried superabsorbents before, but couldn't really tell a difference in my plants. How is Zeba different?A. Zeba is new and totally different from other water-preservation products, including any of the synthetic polyacrylate and polyacrylamide formulations (e.g., PAMs). You've likely heard of or had experience with the many synthetic polymers sold on the market, which are supersabsorbents made with petroleum-type formulations, the active ingredient used in disposable diapers. These synthetic polymers hold water tightly, which explains why these formulations are less effective in growing plants. The most important factor is not absorbency, but the ability of any superabsorbent to release water. No other absorbent product is able to release water as well as Zeba. |
Q. What about other products that claim to have more absorbency than Zeba?A. We developed Zeba to hold 400 times its weight in water, although we can produce a granule that holds as much as 5,000 times its weight. However, experience has shown we have achieved the optimum balance that benefits plants with a product that not only achieves optimal absorbency but also the ability to release moisture as needed. |
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Q. Is Zeba safe for food crops?A. Yes! Zeba is a natural starch-based formulation. It is non-toxic, biodegradable, pH-neutral and safe for any plant. Synthetic polymers, on the other hand, typically contain significant amounts of sodium, petroleum and other fillers, which can be detrimental to food crops. Because it is starch-based, Zeba particles are an attractive food source for soil microorganisms. Over time, the microbes consume the Zeba, creating a richer soil environment. |
Q. Is Zeba organic?A. No, Zeba is not organic-certified. However, it is formulated from natural cornstarch. During manufacturing, the molecular structure of the cornstarch is tweaked in order to give Zeba its great ability to store and release water. This process limits qualification for organic certification. However, all trace elements of the process are removed, and the final Zeba granules are as 'natural' as the cornstarch in its original state. |
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Q. How often do I apply Zeba?A. In general, we recommend a fresh application of Zeba with each new planting. This ensures that Zeba is in close proximity to the seeds (for improved emergence) and roots. For more specific applications subject to plant type, see the Zeba User Guide. Q. Do I need to reapply Zeba if I have to replant due to adverse weather conditions or other seasonal challenges?A. Since replanting disturbs soil in the seedbed, Zeba should be applied each time a crop is replanted to keep Zeba close to the seeds. |
Q. Can I mix fertilizer with Zeba?A. Yes. By combining Zeba and nutrients, your plants have the best advantage—both food and water. Consult the Zeba Application Guide for more information. Q. How long does Zeba remain active in the soil?A. Zeba remains effective 12 months to several years, depending on the microorganisms present in the soil, which will eventually cause biodegradation. We recommend a new application with each new planting as a way to ensure optimum efficacy. Over time, each Zeba application will settle, further deepening the active zone. |
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Q. Is residue left in the soil over time?A. No. Zeba is completely biodegradable. Cornstarch, the main component, is a food source for microorganisms present in the soil. So, even after biodegrading, what remains functions as a soil amendment to improve aeration and other soil characteristics. |
Q. Does Zeba alter soil pH?A. No. Zeba granules are pH-neutral and will work well within a pH environment range of 6 to 10. |
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