Sandnes, Norway, 20 July 2026 - Desert Control (OSE: DSRT), a leader in soil and
water conservation technology, announces field trial results demonstrating that
Liquid Natural Clay (LNC) can significantly improve romaine lettuce yields and
water-use efficiency in sandy soils, offering growers a practical tool to
address increasing water scarcity and soil management challenges.
An initial, spring 2026 trial was conducted on a historically underperforming
sandy loam field in the Salinas Valley, where growers often face rapid water
drainage, low organic matter, and limited nutrient retention. One acre treated
with LNC was compared to one acre of untreated romaine lettuce under identical
irrigation practices. Results were verified by the customer, a large grower in
the Salinas Valley.
Results showed that the LNC-treated plot produced427 boxes per acre, compared
with329 boxes per acrein the untreated control-a29.8% increase in yield. Average
box weights remained nearly identical between the two plots, indicating that the
increase was driven by a greater number of harvestable lettuce heads rather than
increased plant size.
Assuming recent romaine lettuce spot pricing of $18/box, the increased number of
boxes in the LNC-treated acre had the potential to increase sales by almost
$1,800 per acre (98 additional boxes X $18).
The study also demonstrated a substantial improvement in water-use efficiency.
The LNC-treated field achieved5.7 tons per acre-foot of water, compared with4.3
tons per acre-footin the control plot, representing a33% improvement in water
-use efficiency.
By increasing the soil's reactive surface area, the product helps retain water
and nutrients within the root zone, slowing water percolation through sandy
soils and improving crop access to essential resources. This aspect of LNC was
especially crucial during the first trial as crop performance was maintained
during a delayed harvest period after irrigation had been stopped.
Subsequent to the first trial, the Desert Control and same grower conducted
another romaine lettuce trial to confirm the results of the first trial. In
nearby plots of over 5 acres, the LNC-treated lettuce harvest was 34% greater
than the untreated plot. More detailed findings from the subsequent trial will
be published soon. The whitepaper from the first trial is available
at https://desertcontrol.com/results/
"These results demonstrate the practical value of improving the soil's ability
to hold water and nutrients where crops need them most," saidJames Thomas, Chief
Executive Officer. "In these trials, Liquid Natural Clay demonstrates yield
increases of approximately 30% and higher, while meaningfully improving water
-use efficiency, all without requiring additional water or changes to standard
farming practices. We were pleased to see this degree of improvement in soil
with 64% sand content; a type of soil which has not been the focus of our
marketing efforts. We were also pleased to see this response in row crops, as
our marketing focus has been permanent crops. Both findings indicate that our
total addressable market could be larger than previously expected."
The findings suggest that LNC can serve as a practical management tool for
growers seeking to improve productivity, conserve water, and build greater
resilience against water stress and operational challenges, particularly in
sandy soils.
For more information, please contact:
David Borah
Chief Financial Officer
david.borah@desertcontrol.com
About Desert Control
Desert Control develops innovative solutions to enhance soil health, conserve
water, and promote ecosystem resilience. Our proprietary Liquid Natural Clay
(LNC) allows sandy, fast-draining soils to retain water and nutrients, improving
soil health, crop yields, and ecosystem vitality while conserving water. Desert
Control provides customized solutions to strengthen sustainability,
profitability, and prosperity for agriculture, forests, and green landscapes. In
collaboration with partners and clients, we aim to preserve natural resources,
enhance food security, and ensure a climate-resilient future.
Cautionary Note
This release contains forward-looking information and statements relating to the
business, performance, and items that may be interpreted to impact the results
of Desert Control and/or the industry and markets in which Desert Control
operates. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical
facts and may be identified by words such as "aims," "anticipates," "believes,"
"estimates," "expects," "foresees," "intends," "plans," "predicts," "projects,"
"targets," and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are based on
current expectations, estimates, and projections, reflect current views
concerning future events, and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and
assumptions, and may be subject to change without notice. Forward-looking
statements are not guarantees of any future performance, and risks,
uncertainties, and other important factors could cause the actual business,
performance, results, or the industry and markets in which Desert Control
operates to differ materially from the statements expressed or implied in this
release by such forward-looking statements. No representation is made that any
of these forward-looking statements or forecasts will come to pass or that any
forecasted performance, capacities, or results will be achieved, and you are
cautioned not to place any undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.