Agrobiogel Lignin-based hydrogel
retentis
Retentis, by Agrobiogel, is a unique and innovative solution to increase water holding capacity, organic matter and soil fertility. It serves three main functions:
Protects plants from drought
Retentis gel is made from 100% wood, which absorbs and stores water from rain or irrigation and slowly releases it back to the plants during dry periods
Reduces irrigation needs by up to 40%
Conversion into productive soils
As a natural humus precursor, Retentis® can transform infertile soils such as sand into productive cropland.
This innovation is being tested in Cyprus, Romania, Spain and Tunisia
Comparison between lawn treated with Retentis gel (left and right boxes) vs not treated (middle box). These boxes had not been watered in 10 days, with the gel-treated boxes remaining healthy and continuing to grow
Using Retentis agrobiogel can improve soil structure – the soil on the right is treated and shows less compaction
Here, Retentis was used in the right pot. Its application resulted in significantly more fine roots being formed when compared to the untreated pot (left).
View some of our latest news!
TERRASAFE scientist, Lindsay Stringer, awarded MBE for outstanding achievements in environmental development
This highly prestigious accolade is a UK state honour awarded to individuals for outstanding achievements or services to the community.
Innovations for Tackling Desertification webinar: register now!
In this free webinar, you’ll learn about various social, technological and nature-based innovations and their role in boosting the resilience of drylands and drought-affected regions against desertification.
Community members shape TERRASAFE’s plans at workshops
In February 2025, community members and researchers gathered to help shape TERRASAFE’s efforts in combatting desertification.


