Geohorse

FAQs

What is Geohorse?

Geohorse is a water-storing, patented and soil-improving hybrid material. Geohorse is a granulate which in addition to its water-storing capacities provides a stable and elastic riding ground. It is available as an earth-coloured granulate and has been certified in Germany as a soil additive according to the Fertilisers Ordinance.

What is Geohorse composed of?

Geohorse is a new hybrid material. It consists of inorganic, pulverised rock flour (lavagold from controlled mining in Eifel National Park in Germany) and cross-linked poly acrylic acid. The fine stone particles are stored in a three-dimensional polymer network.
Cross-linked poly acrylic acid is completely non-toxic and environmentally compatible. It is used in baby nappies, contact lenses, skin creams, plaster, food packaging, detergents and dental fillings.
What makes Geohorse unique is the fact that the two main components are not only physically mixed, they are chemically bonded together. Poly acrylic acid provides Geohorse with its ability to hold water, whereas rock flour supplies the plants with minerals and nutrients and provides for the structural stability and soil aeration.
The original matter for poly acrylic acid is acrylic acid. This is extracted from propane gas and/or renewable raw materials (starch, glycerine). The rock flour which is used is already in use in agricultural applications. Comment: Geohorse does not contain any acrylamide or other toxic substances in greater amounts than the permissible limit values. 

How does Geohorse work?

Water is stored in the three-dimensional network of poly acrylic acid and rock flour. The cross-linked, partially neutralised poly acrylic acid is primarily responsible for the water storage. The polymer network absorbs water through volume expansion.
Contrary to a sponge, the water is bound in this case, and cannot be removed through pressure. The osmotic pressure formed by the plant roots suffices to withdraw the stored water from the Geohorse granulate. The process of absorption and re-release of water can be repeated practically as often as desired.
What makes  Geohorse unique is the fact that the components are not only physically mixed, they are chemically bonded together. Decomposition cannot occur in its use.

How much water does Geohorse store?

1 kg Geohorse stores up to 40 l water.

How much water does Geohorse save?

On average, every third watering can be dispensed with. Various open land tests have shown that up to 30% of irrigation water can be saved by using Geohorse.

How much Geohorse do I need for a riding hall?

Depending on the soil quality (e.g. age of the riding hall), 200 - 300 g Geohorse per m2 is required. For a riding hall/arena with the measurements 20 m x 40 m, the recommended minimum quantity of Geohorse is 160 kg.

How tread-resistant are riding grounds treated with Geohorse?

If Geohorse is used according to the usage recommendations of the manufacturer, the tread resistance of the turf is significantly improved through the expansion of the granulate and absorption of water.  There are no negative effects on the tread resistance.

How long does Geohorse remain in the soil?

Depending on the frequency of use and soil quality, Geohorse retains its ability for repeated absorption and release of water over a period of approximately 3 years. Afterwards it is degraded and decomposed to such an extent that it loses its function and can then be added to the soil again.

Is Geohorse harmful?

Geohorse is absolutely harmless, as numerous toxicological and ecotoxicological studies have shown. Therefore, it represents no disposal problems whatsoever.

Where can I buy Geohorse?

We are very pleased to announce the newly formed partnership between Geohorse North America and National Garden Wholesale. NGW will be the exclusive retail distributor of Geohorse in the United States. 500 of their dealers around the country will begin selling Geohorse in 1# and 10# units. For ordering information or to find a dealer nearest you, please click here...