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Zeba is a unique
superabsorbent polymer based on natural cornstarch, making it
biodegradable, nontoxic and odorless. As a starch-based polymer, Zeba is
made up of glucose molecules, which are linked together chemically to
become a water-insoluble, net-like matrix in the form of a hydrogel that
holds and releases water for use by plants as needed.
The immense size and
weight of its molecular structure sets Zeba apart. These anionic units
are able to absorb up to 400 times their original weight. The Zeba
hydrogel slowly releases just the right amount of encapsulated moisture
in response to plant root suction. The hydrogel easily rehydrates and
stores more water as moisture enters the soil. This process is repeated
hundreds of times over a growing season or more before Zeba loses
effectiveness.
By keeping the right
amount of moisture available to plants as needed, Zeba facilitates plant
production from seed germination through harvest. A healthy
microenvironment is created in the soil that provides plants with the
moisture and nutrients necessary for successful growth. The result is
faster germination, quicker emergence, consistent growth and higher,
better-quality yields using less water.
For more specific
information choose a product below or go to the FAQs:
Zeba Root Dip
Zeba
Turf and Specialty
Zeba
Nursery and Greenhouse
FAQs about Zeba
and How it Works
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Higher plant survival rates and consistently higher
quality plants
Zeba Root Dip helps protect cuttings
and root systems from drying out before planting and after
transplanting. The Zeba coating also helps extend plant shelf life
during transportation and decreases plant stress for improved stand
development.
Packaged
as a fine powder, it can be mixed with water to form a slurry, similar
in appearance to pancake batter.
Zeba Root Dip is ideal for growing,
storing and shipping nursery stock, Christmas trees, vegetable starts,
forestry seedlings and other products.
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Zeba Root Dip benefits include:
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root protection during hot, dry
periods
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greater plant root and biomass
development
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more consistent plant size and
crop quality across fields
We highly
recommend using Zeba Root dip when planting your grass plugs. Zeba will
reduce the water and time required to establish the plugs. Simply mix
Zeba Root Dip with water, dip each plug in the solution and plant as
normal.
(A small amount of Root Dip
will go a long ways, but you can always use it on other plants, not just
the grass plugs.)
Purchase online! Click Here
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Healthy start, year-round results
Zeba Turf & Specialty can help get newly planted turf
off to a healthy, vigorous start and revitalize the health of existing
lawns and fields. Zeba Turf & Specialty also increases turf survival
during hot, dry periods. And Zeba Turf & Specialty helps create thicker
grass and deeper root structures, resulting in lower weed pressure and
greener, healthier turf.
Other benefits of Zeba Turf & Specialty include:
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reduced compaction, which can reduce the number and
size of localized dry spots
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improved water management, which can lower labor and
energy costs
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shorter seed germination time
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better rate of seed germination
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application instructions
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APPLICATION |
PRODUCT |
RATE |
METHOD |
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Existing turf |
Turf & Specialty |
1-2 lbs per 1,000 sq ft (4-8 cups) |
Cut grass as short as possible, then aerate turf.
Spread Zeba over area, rake or drag into aeration
holes as much as possible, then irrigate. Excess
Zeba on surface will subside naturally. |
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Mechanical injection with Dryject™
or similar equipment |
Turf & Specialty |
0.5-1 lb per 1,000 sq ft (2-4 cups) |
Specific method subject to manufacturer’s
recommendation. Zeba may be mixed with dry sand,
nutrients or substrates. |
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Planting Beds & Landscape |
Turf & Specialty |
1 to 1.5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft (4-6 cups) |
Broadcast and incorporate into top 2 to 4" of soil. |
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Seeding grasses |
Turf & Specialty |
1-2 lbs per 1,000 sq ft (4-8 cups) |
Broadcast Zeba evenly with the seed onto dry soil
area. Incorporate seed and Zeba into the top ½" of
prepared turf area and water. |
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Sod Installation |
Turf & Specialty |
1-2 lbs per 1,000 sq ft (4-8 cups) |
Spread Zeba evenly on soil surface before laying
sod, roll sodded area, then water. |
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Transplant Ball & Burlap (Root Ball Sizes)
12 inch diameter
15 inch
18 inch
24 inch
30 inch
36 inch
48 inch |
Turf & Specialty |
0.75-1.5 Tbsp (5-10 g) 1.5-3 Tbsp (10-21 g)
2.5-5 Tbsp (18-35 g)
6-12 Tbsp (42-84 g)
0.75-1.5 cup (84-168 g)
1.25-2.5 cup (140-280 g)
3-6 cup (336-672 g) |
Mix half throughout planting hole and amend backfill
with remaining half. Use higher rates for sandy
soils with low water holding capacity or plants
requiring more water.
Use lower rates for clay soils or plants
requiring less water. |
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Transplanting Containers (Trade Sizes)
4" - 6"
#1 Pot
(1 gallon)
#2 Pot
(2 gallon)
#3 Pot
(3 gallon)
#5 Pot
(5 gallon)
#7 Pot
(7 gallon)
#10 Pot
(10 gallon)
#15 Pot
(15 gallon)
#20 Pot
(20 gallon)
#25 Pot
(25 gallon)
#30 Pot
(30 gallon)
#65 Pot
(65 gallon)
*Pot size subject to manufacturers specifications |
Turf & Specialty |
Low Normal High Volume Volume Volume
0.25 tsp 0.33 tsp 0.75 tsp
0.5 tsp 0.75 tsp 0.5 Tbsp
1 tsp 0.67 Tbsp 1 Tbsp
1.5 tsp 1 Tbsp 1.25 Tbsp
0.75 Tbsp 1.5 Tbsp 2 Tbsp
1 Tbsp 2 Tbsp 3 Tbsp
2 Tbsp 3.5 Tbsp 0.33 cup
2.75 Tbsp 0.33 cup 0.5 cup
3.33 Tbsp 7 Tbsp 10 Tbsp
0.25 cup 0.5 cup 0.75 cup
0.33 cup 0.67 cup 1 cup
0.75 cup 1.5 cup 2.25 cup
Use normal rates for most plant species
Low rates can be used for plants requiring less
water, or receiving frequent watering
Higher rates can be used for plants that require
more water or a longer period between irrigation
intervals |
Mix half throughout planting hole and amend backfill
with remaining half. Use higher rates for sandy
soils with low water holding capacity or plants
requiring more water.
Use lower rates for clay soils or plants
requiring less water. |
Todd Valley Farms is only licensed to
sell this product into the following states: Nebraska, Iowa and
South Dakota.
For pricing and
availability of this product, please call 1-800-869-8544.
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Better survival,
better quality.
Zeba helps improve plant survival
rate and boost the quality of nursery stock in container or field
operations by holding water near roots for use as a plant demands.
Zeba works by capturing, storing and
releasing water throughout the course of a year, helping prolong the
benefits of rain or irrigation events.
Among several benefits Zeba offers
nursery producers:
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Zeba captures moisture in all
types of potting mixes, including peat moss and soilless types, and
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Zeba protects roots during
transportation and transplanting when applied as a root dip
Application
In soil mix, potting soil or when
planting in containers, completely mix dry Zeba and dry soil before
planting or filling containers at a rate of 0.5-1.5 lb./cubic yard. Add
the Zeba gradually to the dry soil mix and water well after planting.
For large individual containers, layer the Zeba into the pot as you fill
the container. See the Zeba user guide or consult your local crop
advisor for other use application guidelines.
Todd Valley Farms is only licensed
to sell this product into the following states: Nebraska, Iowa and South
Dakota.
For pricing and
availability of this product, please call 1-800-869-8544.
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A. Zeba is a patented soil amendment that
improves plant yield and plant quality across a wide
spectrum of agricultural, forestry, turf, ornamental
and home and garden applications through improved
water utilization.
A. Zeba particles store and release up to 400
times their weight in water, hydrating and
rehydrated with each irrigation or rain event.
Applied as a root dip or dry granule near roots,
Zeba helps keep plants hydrated all season long by
prolonging the benefits of water events.
A. Zeba improves seed germination rates, promotes
fast and uniform emergence, improves stand
establishment and ultimately improves yield and
quality. Zeba also helps plants avoid stress caused
by heat spikes and drought by optimizing a plant's
use of available water.
A. Zeba has been shown to increase yields and
quality in every plant variety tested, in a wide
range of soil types, and in a wide spectrum of
climatic conditions.
A. Zeba has proven beneficial for plant health in
sandy soils and clay soils. In sandy soils, Zeba
prevents water from sifting through the root zones,
holding water where it's needed. In clay soils, the
expanding and contracting action of Zeba particles
can increase aeration, boosting oxygen levels in the
soil and increasing water percolation.
A. Zeba dry granules can be applied with any
standard Gandy-type applicator or similar metering
device. Zeba root dip is applied as a slurry to
roots.
A. In general, we recommend a fresh application
of Zeba with any new planting, or yearly. This
ensures Zeba is close to seeds, which will help
accelerate germination and provide benefits
throughout a growing season.
A. Because Zeba is a natural starch-based
formulation it is safe for use on all crops,
including food crops. Zeba is non-toxic,
biodegradable and contains no synthetic additives.
A. Zeba can reduce water application requirements
over the course of a growing season through better
water utilization, but it doesn't change the amount
of water a plant needs.
Instead of water being dispersed into the soil or
evaporating, water is absorbed by Zeba and held for
the plant to use as needed.
A. No. Zeba triggers no chemical reaction. Zeba
merely absorbs moisture and any water-soluble
nutrients present and remains suspended in the plant
root zone.
A. As Zeba granules expand and contract to a
volume size determined by water availability, they
separate soil particles, providing roots oxygen and
potentially decreasing the probability of plants
developing root rot.
A. As Zeba breaks down it provides a food source
for soil microbes. This results in improved soil
quality and, over time, creates a rich soil
environment that helps plants flourish. |
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A. Zeba is not organic-certified. However, it is
formulated from natural cornstarch. During the
manufacturing process, the molecular structure of
the cornstarch is tweaked to give Zeba its 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.
A. Zeba stays active 12 months to several years,
depending on the microorganisms present in a
particular soil. We recommend a new application with
each planting to ensure optimum efficacy. Over time,
Zeba will settle in soil and deepen the active zone.
A. Since replanting disturbs soil in the seedbed,
Zeba should be applied each time a crop is
replanted. This keeps Zeba close to seeds.
A. Yes. By combining Zeba and nutrients, you
provide plants an optimum opportunity to deliver
premium yields and quality.
A. Yes. When Zeba is applied as a liquid slurry
in transplant water, plants are shown to have a
better survival rate, greater root and biomass
development and improved yields and quality.
A. Yes. By better utilizing available water, Zeba
helps remove stress associated with heat spikes.
This helps create healthy, uniform plant development
across fields.
A. During most growing seasons, crops treated
with Zeba will show a definitive advantage over
untreated crops in seedling emergence, plant
development and overall yields and quality. However,
when environmental conditions are ideal for plant
development, Zeba treated crops may not be markedly
different than untreated crops.
A. Zeba has several advantages over
petroleum-based superabsorbents, which are known in
the marketplace as PAMs. The primary advantage is
that Zeba particles readily relinquish stored water
to plants when plants need it. PAMs, on the other
hand, tend to hold water tightly and often will
compete with plants for water. No other absorbent
product is able to release water as effectively as
Zeba.
Also, Zeba is made from naturally produced,
biodegradable cornstarch and can improve soil as it
breaks down. PAMs are made from synthetic polymers
that provide no soil benefits in their natural form.
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. Experience
has shown that at the current design, we have
achieved the optimum balance that allows Zeba
particles to absorb and release water as plants need
it. |
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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. |
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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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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. |
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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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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.
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. |
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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.
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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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. |
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A. No. Zeba granules are pH-neutral and will work
well within a pH environment range of 6 to 10. |
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