There’s a product that can help local farmers hold more water in the root zone of plants, especially those who grow strawberries and lettuce. A non-toxic polymer soil additive, called BountiGel, has been shown to increase water retention, and therefore the yield for certain crops such as strawberries and lettuce. Initial study trials at U-C Davis and Fresno State show an increase of nearly 30 percent for lettuce (and that was using 25 percent less water). Strawberry trials were conducted in Mexico, and had a 15 percent better yield. The BountiGel powder holds up to 250 times its weight in water by turning into a gel…and then the gel holds the water (and nutrients) in the root zone. When the product is “exhausted” it becomes completely biodegradable.
