Desert Control, an international company headquartered in Norway, has been making waves in the agricultural sector with its groundbreaking Liquid Natural Clay (LNC) technology. Inspired by the fertile region around the Nile River Valley in Egypt that lost its water control capability over time, Desert Control has developed a solution that is now in high demand in the Western U.S., particularly in permanent crop operations. The Yuma Valley, once known as the “Nile of the American West,” is a prime example of where this technology is being effectively utilized already.
Desert Control’s patented LNC technology offers a multitude of benefits for soil management. It significantly reduces irrigation needs, conserves water, preserves essential nutrients and enhances soil performance. The value of soil is intrinsically linked to the value of the crops it can produce, making LNC a vital tool for farmers aiming to maximize their yields.
“With LNC, growers can achieve remarkable water efficiency and financial savings, with the potential for improved soil salinity and reduced nutrient leaching. LNC helps maintain or increase crop yields while minimizing water loss to leaching and soil evaporation, reducing related irrigation expenses and making sustainable agriculture both practical and profitable,” said Marty Weems, Managing Director of the Americas.
When evaluating new land, Desert Control meticulously measures water samples, soil samples and plant health. Each piece of land is scored based on the soil texture triangle, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of its characteristics. The LNC product improves water holding capacity, reduces soil salinity and boosts crop yields, making it an indispensable asset for modern agriculture.
“The OMRI Organic-certified LNC technology uses natural minerals to transform degraded, low-quality soils into high-performance, productive land,” said Evan Hazlett, Program Manager, Sustainability Impact and Analytics. “It has the potential to significantly improve profitability, reduce resource costs, and do so while benefiting the environment.”
In an era where water scarcity and regulatory changes are becoming increasingly prevalent, Desert Control’s solutions are more relevant than ever. Farmers are facing the dual challenges of rising water costs and reduced water availability. Field trials have demonstrated that growers using LNC can reduce their irrigation by 25 percent to 50 percent, while maintaining increased productivity within the root zone, leading to significant yield improvements.
The benefits of Desert Control’s LNC technology extend beyond immediate gains. The product’s effects can last between three to five years, depending on the crop’s tillage rate. This longevity allows farmers to account for these improvements as capital expenses rather than operating expenses, providing long-term value and sustainability. Desert Control is not just a company; it is a partner in sustainable agriculture, helping farmers grow more with less and paving the way for a more resilient agricultural future.
Farmers interested in reducing their irrigation water usage and enhancing their soil’s performance can reach out to Desert Control at [email protected] or the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology at [email protected] for more information.