Desert Control begins independent turfgrass research at UC Riverside 

Desert Control has launched a multi-year research study with the Turfgrass Science program at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), led by Dr. James H. Baird. This controlled, independent evaluation of how Liquid Natural Clay (LNC) treated turf responds to drought is a direct test of the product’s central premise: maintaining healthy turf with less water. 

How the trial works 

The study compares LNC-treated turf against untreated turf across multiple growing seasons under deficit irrigation conditions. UCR ties watering to local conditions applying only as much as the turf actually loses to evaporation and plant use, a measure agronomists call evapotranspiration. The trial limits irrigation to roughly 80% of the region’s normal requirement for this type of turf.  

What is measured 

Performance is tracked through objective indicators rather than impressions. UCR rates turf quality and colour, using  sensor imaging to quantify greenness and vitality. Handheld moisture sensors will connect how the turf looks above the surface to how much water the soil holds beneath it. Soil samples are also analysed by an independent third-party laboratory. 

Results to come 

The trial is designed and run by UCR, with results to be presented publicly later in the year. We look forward to reporting the findings as the work progresses.