With Retentis®, GEFA introduces a revolutionary and innovative solution for soil improvement and water management in landscaping and all types of plantings. Retentis® is a 100% organic, fully biodegradable hydrogel that is FiBL-listed and bio-certified, making it an environmentally safe choice. Its completely natural composition ensures exceptional effectiveness while promoting sustainability.
Retentis® is an absorber that enhances soil quality. By increasing water retention capacity and improving organic matter, it promotes soil fertility. This innovative solution protects against drought, transforms unproductive soil into arable land, and supports plant development.
The hydrogel, made 100% from lignin (wood), stores water and releases it to plants. After its usage period of 3–5 years, the granulate decomposes into humus. Retentis® provides an eco-friendly alternative for gardening and landscaping, contributing to sustainable soil improvement.
GEFA Fabritz
Advantages of Retentis®
The use of Retentis offers numerous advantages. We have listed some of them. If you have further questions, feel free to contact us. We will be happy to answer your inquiries.
The first durable and biological hydrogel made from 100% wood:
Retentis® relies on a completely natural composition that is not only effective but also environmentally friendly.
Active for at least 3–5 years, depending on the soil type:
The hydrogel maximizes the soil's water storage capacity, which is particularly crucial during dry periods.
Protects trees and plants from drought stress:
Retentis® creates a water reservoir in the soil, protecting plants from water scarcity and drought.
Decomposes into humus, enhancing soil fertility:
The transition of Retentis® into humus not only enhances soil fertility but also supports the development of a sustainable ecosystem within the soil.
Transforms infertile soils, including sand, into fertile soils:
By transforming sandy soils into fertile arable land, Retentis® also creates new opportunities for agriculture and horticulture.
Absorption of fertilizers/nutrients, storage, and gradual release to plants:
Retentis® agiert als effizienter Träger von Düngern und Nährstoffen, die dann langsam an die Pflanzen abgegeben werden, um eine nachhaltige Nährstoffversorgung zu gewährleisten.
Prevention of rapid leaching of fertilizers:
By controlling the release of fertilizers, Retentis® helps prevent over-fertilization and enables efficient nutrient utilization.
Reduction of costs for water, fertilizers, irrigation, and labor:
Retentis can be used alone or in combination with any form of irrigation, reducing water consumption as well as energy and labor requirements. Retentis helps save up to 40% of water by decreasing the frequency of irrigation.
Approved without restrictions for conventional and organic farming:
Retentis® is a versatile solution that can be used for all types of plantings, as well as in both conventional and organic farming. Overall, Retentis® represents a groundbreaking solution for sustainable soil management, offering new perspectives for urban plantings in gardening and landscaping while adhering to ecological standards.
Retentis®
Production
A key feature of Retentis® is its sustainable production using lignin, a byproduct of the pulp industry. In pulp mills, cellulose is extracted from wood waste for paper and fiber production. This process yields approximately 40% cellulose, while the remaining 60% consists of hemicelluloses (30%) and lignin (30%). Hemicelluloses are utilized in biorefineries, whereas lignin is often considered a waste product. Many pulp mills end up with unused lignin. Retentis® uses this lignin as a raw material, returning dried carbon to the soil through its application. Using lignin as a water reservoir is not only resource-efficient but also helps close the loop in the production cycle.
Retentis®
Test Results
IThe advantages of Retentis® have been confirmed through both field and laboratory experiments.
New planting of almond trees (Lauranne) Conducted under drought stress conditions in open fields in Granada, with planting in February 2023.
Soil: Sand-loam mixture
Variants: Control group without Retentis® and 4 planting groups with varying amounts.
Irrigation: 28 irrigation cycles until evaluation on September 14, 2023. Control group with 100% irrigation and 70% irrigation (40l and 28l per tree), Retentis® plantings with 70% (20l).
Climate: Extreme drought conditions starting in May.
The results of the study clearly demonstrate the advantages of Retentis. The reduction in water demand and the growth of the trees impressively show that using this product offers benefits in various areas. These findings highlight the effectiveness of Retentis for efficient resource utilization across different applications.
Water Savings By using Retentis®, 30% water savings were achieved while maintaining the same plant development as the control group with full irrigation.
Increased Growth With reduced irrigation (70%), the addition of Retentis® increased plant growth by approximately 18% compared to the untreated control group (also with 70% irrigation).
Retentis®
100% Biological Water Storage
Application
The application of Retentis® is carried out similarly to the incorporation of GEFA's well-known soil conditioners and substrates (e.g., STOCKOSORB or Fabroton). Retentis also achieves its maximum effect when worked 10-15 cm deep—close to the roots—into the soil.
This can be done by mixing it with soil/substrate or by spreading it on the surface and subsequently working it in. The granules are then activated into a water-storing gel through a single watering (rain or irrigation). Please note: Retentis® is not a fertilizer. The use of fertilizers is still recommended. However, Retentis can help reduce the need for fertilizers without fully replacing them.
Depending on the location and soil composition, the following amounts should be applied:
Lawn seeding/sowing: 100 g/m², worked in 10 cm deep Plantings (ground cover, perennials): 200 g/m², worked in 20 cm deep Planting holes: 5-10 kg/m³, thoroughly mixed with the excavation.
The innovative production of Retentis® from lignin not only improves soil but also promotes sustainable use of wood waste from the pulp industry. This contributes significantly to closing the material cycle and demonstrates how innovative solutions from supposed waste products can positively impact the environment.
We are happy to answer all your questions. Below you will find the most frequently asked questions about Retentis®.
Where can Retentis® be used?
Retentis® is universally applicable for tree and shrub plantings, annual and perennial crops, in various soil types, plant containers, beds, and is also suitable for grave plantings. As an organic product, it has no negative impact on the environment and can be used in different climatic conditions and soil types.
How often should Retentis® be used?
We recommend a fresh application for each new planting, and the product remains active in the soil for 3–5 years.
When is the best time to apply Retentis®?
Retentis® can be used year-round and remains stable even under extreme soil temperatures.
Can Retentis® be mixed with fertilizers?
Yes, Retentis® can be mixed with fertilizers, and this is highly recommended. It helps to reduce fertilization without completely replacing it.
What long-term effect does Retentis® have on the soil?
Retentis® can improve soil structure and permeability, enhance nutrient availability for plants, and increase soil fertility in the long term. Its application can also boost crop yields.
How long does Retentis® remain active in the soil?
Retentis® has a long-term effect in the soil and remains active for up to 5 years. After that, the product gradually decomposes into organic matter.
How does Retentis® work?
Retentis® increases the soil's water retention capacity and enhances fertility. Under dry conditions or reduced irrigation, it ensures consistent water supply, reduces plant stress, and promotes healthy growth.
Does Retentis® affect the frequency of irrigation?
Yes, Retentis® can reduce the frequency of watering by up to 40% by improving the soil's water retention capacity. It also helps prevent water runoff and promotes better water distribution in the soil.
Does Retentis® cause root rot?
No, Retentis® is designed to release water slowly and prevent excessive moisture accumulation. When used correctly, it does not cause root rot.
Does Retentis® alter the soil's pH level?
No, Retentis® has a neutral pH and does not affect the soil's pH. It remains active within a broad soil pH range of 4 to 9.
How should Retentis® be stored?
Retentis® should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place. It remains stable for at least 2 years in sealed bags. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Can I apply Retentis® to existing plantings?
Retentis® was specifically developed for use in new plantings. However, a solution is being worked on to enable its application in already established areas.
Does Retentis® alter the composition of water?
No, Retentis® does not alter the composition of water. It simply stores water and slowly releases it to plants as needed.
We are here to assist.
Christoph Pösken | Specialist in Arboriculture / Consultant for Tree Care & Restoration
As a tree care expert, Christoph is your go-to contact for all matters related to "Trees and Construction Sites." Reach out to him for advice and questions about trunk protection and root care. He looks forward to connecting with you and sharing valuable practical tips.
