Key Takeaways
- NADEC has partnered to launch large-scale field trials of EF Polymer following a technology-scouting process.
- EF Polymer’s solution is designed to reduce irrigation water use and improve soil health in arid regions.
- Trials will focus on strategic crops including wheat, olive trees, and blueberries.
- The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to reduce non-renewable groundwater use.
- The partnership supports long-term food and water security in the Kingdom.
NADEC Advances Field Trials for Water-Saving Soil Technology
The National Agricultural Development Company (NADEC) has initiated large-scale field trials of EF Polymer’s soil-enhancing technology, marking a new phase in its strategy to strengthen food and water security in Saudi Arabia. The collaboration follows a structured technology-scouting framework led by Universal Materials Incubator and focuses on deploying scalable agricultural solutions suited to arid and semi-arid environments.
The trials will evaluate EF Polymer’s proprietary material, a 100 percent organic and biodegradable powder derived from upcycled food waste. Designed to function like a “soil battery,” the material can absorb up to 50 times its own weight in water and gradually release moisture directly to plant roots. According to EF Polymer, this process can reduce irrigation water use by up to 40 percent while supporting crop productivity.
Improving Soil Health and Nutrient Efficiency
Beyond water retention, EF Polymer’s solution is engineered to improve nutrient efficiency by reducing fertilizer leaching. This can lower overall fertilizer requirements while maintaining crop performance. After approximately one year in the soil, the material biodegrades fully into organic carbon, organic matter, and trace nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, and nitrogen, contributing to long-term soil fertility.
The product is certified organic by OMRI and Ecocert and is already in commercial use across markets including Japan, the United States, India, and Türkiye. Its ease of application and adaptability across crops make it suitable for both smallholder farmers and large-scale agricultural operations.
Strategic Importance for Saudi Agriculture
Water scarcity remains a central challenge for agriculture globally and within Saudi Arabia. By 2030, global freshwater demand is projected to exceed supply by 40 percent. In the Kingdom, agriculture consumes an estimated 11.4 billion cubic meters of water annually, underscoring the need for technologies that reduce reliance on non-renewable groundwater.
“Strategic agriculture today requires a long-term commitment to soil health and resource circularity,” said Mohamed Al-Rajhi, Vice President of the Supply Chain Sector at NADEC. “By diversifying our crop portfolio and investing in closed-loop nutrient management, we are insulating our operations against global price volatility and environmental shifts.”
Trial Focus and Vision 2030 Alignment
Crop-Specific Trial Milestones
- Wheat: Ongoing trials are assessing water retention performance in this water-intensive crop.
- Olive and blueberry: Additional trials scheduled for March will evaluate yield and nutrient efficiency.
Al-Rajhi added that NADEC is also deploying AI-driven irrigation systems and satellite-based crop monitoring to optimize water use and land productivity. He noted that the EF Polymer trials focus on scalable crops critical to national food security, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to reduce non-renewable groundwater use by 90 percent while building resilient, locally rooted food systems.
