Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What is Zeba?

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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.

Q. How does Zeba work?

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A. Zeba particles store and release more than 500 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.

Q. Why use Zeba?

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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.

Q. Will Zeba work for me?

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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.

Q. Is Zeba suitable for all soil types?

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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.

Q. I've tried superabsorbents before, but couldn't really tell a difference in my plants. How is Zeba different?

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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.

Q. What about other products that claim to have more absorbency than Zeba?

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A. We developed Zeba to hold over 500 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.

Q. Is Zeba safe for food crops?

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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 micro-organisms. Over time, the microbes consume the Zeba, creating a richer soil environment.

Q. Is Zeba organic?

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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.

Q. How often do I apply Zeba?

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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, contact Turfit.

Q. Do I need to re-apply Zeba if I have to replant due to adverse weather conditions or other seasonal challenges?

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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?

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A. Yes. By combining Zeba and nutrients, your plants have the best advantage—both food and water.

Q. How long does Zeba remain active in the soil?

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A. Zeba remains effective for a full growing season, depending on the microorganisms present in the soil, which will eventually cause bio-degradation. We recommend a new application with each new planting as a way to ensure optimum efficiency.

Q. Is residue left in the soil over time?

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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.

Q. Does Zeba alter soil pH?

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A. No. Zeba granules are pH-neutral and will work well within a pH environment range of 6 to 10.