University of Arizona
Multi-year field trials in citrus groves demonstrating irrigation reduction and yield maintenance. Peer-reviewed research.
The technology
Liquid Natural Clay: the nanoclay that makes sand hold water.
A patented suspension of natural clay, broken down to the nanoscale, that transforms sandy and degraded soils into structured, water-retaining substrates. Developed by Desert Control AS (Norway). Licensed exclusively for Saudi Arabia to SDC.
Developed: 2017 · Patent holder: Desert Control AS · Certifications: ECOCERT equivalent
What LNC is
A liquid formulation that works at the molecular interface of sand and water.
LNC is a liquid formulation produced by mechanically separating natural clay minerals into sub-micron particles and stabilizing them in an aqueous suspension. Once delivered through the irrigation system wherever applicable, LNC infiltrates the root zone and coats sand grains with an ultra-thin clay layer.
Unlike traditional soil amendments — which require physical mixing, compact the soil, or break down within months — LNC works at the molecular interface of sand and water. The result is a soil with genuinely improved texture, hydraulic conductivity, and nutrient retention, without structural change or compaction.
A single application typically remains effective for up to 5 years.
Mobile production unit
Field deployment
The service
A four-step engagement, delivered locally.
- 01
Discovery
We gather and analyze soil and water data from your site to understand current conditions, constraints, and opportunities.
Duration · 1–2 weeks - 02
Design
Our agronomists and chemists formulate a custom LNC blend tailored to your specific soil type and vegetation.
Duration · 1–3 weeks - 03
Application
We apply LNC on-site through your existing irrigation infrastructure, coordinating with your operations team.
Duration · 1–3 days per hectare - 04
Monitoring
We track performance — water use, plant health, soil structure — and report back at regular intervals throughout the lifetime of the application.
Duration · Up to 5 years
Backed by science
Research partners & validation.
ICBA
International Center for Biosaline Agriculture — trials on saline and arid-region soils validating LNC behavior under Gulf conditions.
Gates Foundation
Support for LNC research aimed at addressing food security in water-stressed regions.
World Economic Forum
Recognized as a Technology Pioneer for sustainable agriculture and water conservation.
European Union
Horizon Europe research funding for sustainable soil amendment technologies in Mediterranean contexts.
Estidamah (KSA)
Ongoing partnership with the National Research & Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture, validating LNC on Saudi crops and soils.
Before / after
From bare ground to a thriving landscape.
LNC restores root-zone water and nutrient retention so plantings can establish — and stay established — under arid Saudi conditions. Drag the handle to reveal, or use keyboard arrows.
After · LNC
BeforeReference photos from SDC and Desert Control network projects. Site-specific before / after imagery is produced during Discovery and Monitoring on every engagement.
Transparency
What LNC is — and what it isn't.
LNC IS
- Composed of 100% natural clay minerals
- Organic-certified for agricultural use
- Safe for soil microbiota — enhances biodiversity
- Safe for crops — validated on dozens of species
- Neutral pH — no acidification or salinization
- Reversible — clay particles remain in the soil layer
LNC IS NOT
- A fertilizer — it doesn't add nutrients directly
- A genetically modified or chemical product
- A cement, polymer, or plastic-based amendment
- Harmful to existing irrigation equipment
- A one-size-fits-all product — each project is custom-formulated
- A substitute for good agronomy — it complements best practices
Want to see the research in detail?
Download our technical brief with field data, peer-reviewed references, and application case studies.