Frequently asked questions

EF Polymer is a superabsorbent polymer (a water-retaining agent) that is 100 % natural in origin, made by upcycling inedible fruit residues such as citrus and banana peels. It absorbs around 50 times its weight in water, retains that moisture even under pressure and releases it gradually into the soil. As a polymer, it also provides gelling and thickening functions. Being made from plant materials, it is an environmentally friendly choice.

When EF Polymer is mixed into the soil in the right amount and applied close to the roots, it absorbs water and improves the soil's ability to retain water and nutrients. By keeping the soil moist for longer, it supports healthier crop growth and helps plants withstand drought stress.

Most conventional polymers are derived from petroleum and require a lot of energy to produce and dispose of. They tend to generate CO₂ emissions that harm the environment, can lose their absorption capacity when they react with fertilisers, and in some cases their strong absorption can even pull moisture away from plants and damage them.

EF Polymer, by contrast, is made entirely from natural materials such as orange and banana peels and fully biodegrades in approximately one year. Our production process uses no chemical additives, which ensures a safe and sustainable material. Following the recommended doses, EF Polymer can be used with confidence, with no negative effects on soil or crops.

EF Polymer keeps its effect in the soil for up to 6 months or one crop cycle, continuously absorbing and releasing water. After that it breaks down and fully biodegrades within 1 year. These are the figures given in the technical data sheet.

Shelf life is approximately three years. However, as EF Polymer is made from organic materials, we recommend using it as soon as possible once the pack is opened to get the best performance.

Once incorporated, EF Polymer absorbs rainwater or irrigation water and, as the soil dries out, gradually returns it to the root zone. This absorption-and-release cycle usually continues for around 6 months. After that, its absorption capacity decreases as biodegradation begins; within around 12 months it fully breaks down in the soil, mainly into water and carbon dioxide.

EF Polymer is a 100 % naturally sourced material that uses inedible parts of fruit and breaks down within approximately 1 year. It is made using a method that involves no chemicals in the process. Following the recommended dose, it can be used safely on soil and crops.

Both have the same base composition and the same benefits. Choose based on how you plan to apply it:

• Powder: ideal for mixing into the substrate beforehand; suited to seed trays, pots and planters, or for mixing into nursery substrates.
• Granule: suited to field application (broadcast or in a band); applied dry and on its own, never mixed with fertilisers, and incorporated during tillage.

No cases of root rot caused by EF Polymer have been recorded, even at high doses. However, in cell trays or planters, excessive use can cause the substrate to harden as it dries, which could stress young roots in the early stages of growth. That's why we strongly recommend following the stated application doses. This is especially important for potted plants, where overdosing causes problems more easily.

Research is currently under way to better understand its impact on soil microorganisms.

EF Polymer is 100 % natural in origin, is made without chemical additives and fully biodegrades in the soil. For the registrations and certifications currently in force in each market, see the Product page or contact our team in Europe.

All production takes place at our plant in Rajasthan (India). Looking ahead, we want to build a circular, locally rooted model in which EF Polymer is made from each region's own crop residues, supporting local production for local consumption.

Contact our team in Europe through the contact form for samples, prices and distributors.

There are two main ways to apply it: mixed into the soil in the field (granule format) and mixed into the substrate in pots, planters and seed trays (powder format). The questions below give the dose and method for each case. You'll find more on the formats on the Product page.

For field applications we recommend the granule format.

• Ridges and crop rows: apply 2 to 5 kg per 1,000 m² of ridge or growing bed (dose based on the treated strip, not the total area; for open field the technical data sheet gives around 20 kg/ha), then incorporate it by tillage so it is spread evenly (the target is the root zone, at around 5–10 cm depth).
• Seedlings: place 1 to 5 g per plant in the planting hole, mix lightly with the surrounding soil and transplant.

Note: the doses above are for guidance. Adjust them according to soil type, moisture, crop and machinery. If it's your first time, try it on a small area, and keep both the soil and the product dry at the time of application for the best mix.

Apply between 1 and 5 g of EF Polymer directly into the planting hole, mix it lightly with the soil, then transplant the seedling.

For seed trays and container growing we recommend the powder format.

• Seed trays or planters: mix EF Polymer into the substrate at a rate of 1 to 10 g per litre of substrate.
• Direct sowing: apply EF Polymer dry at around 2 kg per 1,000 m² (0.1 ha) and incorporate it into the soil before sowing.

As soil types and environmental conditions vary, we recommend starting with a low concentration (around 0.1 %) and increasing it as needed. The doses given are for guidance and may vary depending on soil and growing conditions. Always start with a small test before full application.

To improve the soil's water and nutrient retention, EF Polymer should be applied around the root zone of the fruit tree or mature tree.

A common method is to dig holes around the tree, similar to the hole or trench method traditionally used in orchard management.

EF Polymer is mixed with soil in those holes and the mix is applied. As roots naturally grow towards available moisture, this method supports healthier growth and greater resistance to drought stress.

Yes. EF Polymer does not work its way into the soil on its own if scattered on the surface, so it must be mixed in well. For the best results, apply it to dry soil: mixing it into moist soil can cause uneven distribution. The polymer itself should also be kept dry until use.

Also follow the application doses recommended by our company. In particular, when using EF Polymer in pots or planters, avoid overdosing, as this can cause the substrate to compact or stress young roots.

We are running various trials to identify the most compatible crops. Promising results have been seen in cereals (grass family), tomato, okra, cabbage, leaf lettuce, carrot, potato, sweet potato, onion, pumpkin, broccoli, beetroot, sugarcane and pineapple.

We have also confirmed certain positive effects in reforestation projects and in turf growth.

You'll find more detail on the Field trials page.

We are running field trials with a range of crops. To date, no incompatibility has been observed with any specific crop.

Yes, EF Polymer can be used in poorly drained soils. Poor drainage is usually caused by soil particles being too fine and a lack of aeration. When mixed into the soil, EF Polymer absorbs water and swells to around 50 times its weight; it then releases the water gradually and shrinks to about 1/50 of its swollen size. This cycle of expansion and contraction creates air spaces in the soil, lets oxygen reach the roots and supports plant growth.

Not with fertilisers. EF Polymer is applied dry and on its own: never mixed with fertiliser and never in the same pass. It is incorporated into the soil at 10–20 cm before sowing, and fertiliser is applied separately. For any other material, contact us before using it.

In general, EF Polymer should be applied before planting. Spread it and mix it in well with the soil so that it sits around the root zone. The most practical timing depends on the crop and farming practices, but the most common options are before forming the ridges or during soil preparation, always in a separate pass from fertilising.