Five methods compared, and where RETENTIS® fits in

Saving water in the garden

Water becomes scarce, especially in hot summers. There are many ways to supply plants efficiently. Here are five common approaches compared.

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1. Mulching

Mulch made of wood, bark or straw reduces evaporation and keeps the soil moist for longer. Advantage: easy to do. Disadvantage: needs to be renewed regularly, and not every plant tolerates every type of mulch.

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2. Drip irrigation

Targeted water supply directly at the roots. Advantage: efficient and precise. Disadvantage: installation is time-consuming and lines can clog.

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3. Collecting rainwater

Environmentally friendly and inexpensive. Disadvantage: storage is limited and quickly used up during longer dry periods.

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4. Timers and sensors

Sensors measure soil moisture and controllers regulate irrigation. Advantage: a high level of control. Disadvantage: purchase costs and maintenance.

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5. RETENTIS® in the soil

RETENTIS® acts like a sponge in the root zone: it absorbs irrigation water or rainwater and releases it gradually.

• Keeps the root zone moist for longer between two waterings
• Dissolved nutrients can be buffered and leaching losses reduced
• Easy to use, no technology needed
• Active for 3–5 years once worked in

How much water you save depends on soil, crop and weather. In the independent greenhouse trial in Almería, tomatoes managed with 20% less water and still yielded more than the fully irrigated control (to the trial report).

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Best combined

The methods are not mutually exclusive. Mulch plus RETENTIS® in the root zone plus rainwater from the barrel is the most effective combination for most gardens.