Tramfloc Is Pleased To Announce
We Have Updated Our Site For
Easier Access And A Fresh Face. |
Among the resources increasingly involved in man-made activities, water is certainly
one of the most precious. Nearly three quarters of the water used all over the
world are being consumer for agricultural needs in each and every country. Hence,
the urgent necessity to optimize its use.
TRAMSORB are hydrogels which absorb and retain large quantities of water and
nutrients when dipped into the soil or any other growing media. They optimize
plant growth with minimal losses of water and nutrients through leaching and
evaporation. Water and nutrients are stored in the root zone for an optimal
uptake by the plant.
TRAMSORB
· Increase water reserves of soils for several years
· Allow land-cultivation under extreme soil and climate conditions
· Provide plants with regular moisture supply
· Develop better plant growth in rain-sparse regions
· Improve soil ventilation in compact soils
· Reduce irrigation timing and water quantities
· Decrease by at least a third the nutrient leaching into the ground water
· Protect environment against drought, erosion, desertification and water-pollution
TRAMSORB for agriculture, horticulture, forestry, nurseries, landscaping, private
and public gardens, ornamentals...
Intensive irrigation is the source of sever damage to soils such as erosion,
crust-formation, soil-hardening and poor water infiltration.
TRAMBOND covers a wide range of water-soluble polymers available either in emulsion,
granulated powder or solid tablets. They can fit any irrigation system, whether
water-channeling or water-sprinkling. Soil-porosity is improved as the suspended
fine particles flocculate at the surface and this considerably reduce soil-erosion
due to one or the other system. Irrigation waters are thus used in far more
efficient ways.
TRAMBOND
· Reduce soil loss by up to 95%
· Prevent erosion, crust-formation and soil-hardening of irrigated soils
· Improve water infiltration into soils up to 35%
· Reduce mechanization costs
· Are cost effective: only 1 to 3 kg per irrigated hectare
· Protect environment due to the reduction of pesticide and nutrient runoff
TRAMBOND is the optimum approach for furrow and sprinkling irrigation...
TRAMBOND are also soil stabilizers. Sprayed in diluted quantities all over the
area to be treated, they form a synthetic network that improve both soil cohesion
and water infiltration. Thus the better hydrophilic properties of the soil promote
soil stabilization making seed-germination and root development a lot easier.
The newly established vegetation protects the soil durably against erosion.
TRAMBOND
· Are easy to use as they can be spread together with seeds and fertilizers
through hydroseeding and equipment
· Improve soil cohesion and prevent erosion damage
· Allow plant growth even on high-grade slopes
· Reduce ploughing costs
· Considerably abate the costs of land reclamation
· Help fight against desertification and soil erosion
TRAMBOND for lanscaping, road embankment and mountain hydroseeding...
TRAMSORB- fine and course powders.
Human activities require more and more resources- among them water is certainly
the most precious. Modern agriculture consumes almost two thirds of the waters
pumped nationwide. For this reason, more and more people are seeking ways to
conserve it.
TRAMSORB is a water retainer that, when incorporated into a soil or a substrate
absorbs and retains large quantities of water and nutrients. Unlike most products
that become hydrated, TRAMSORB has the property of easily releasing the absorbed
water and nutrients, thereby allowing the plant to have water and nutrients
available at will as a function of the absorption- release cycle.
TRAMSORB
· Increases the Water Holding Capacity of soils for several years. Irrigation
frequency may be reduced by 50%.
· Limits losses of water and nutrient due to leaching.
· Reduces evaporation from the soil.
· Improves the physical properties of compact soils through good aeration.
· Enhances plant growth. Water and nutrients are continuously available in the
root zone for optimal absorption by plants.
· Protects the environment against drought and groundwater pollution.
Composition:
TRAMSORB is a range of superabsorbent anionic polyacrylamide polymers. They
are crosslinked copolymers of acrylamide and potassium acrylate that are water
insoluble.
How It Works:
The polymer consists of a set of polymeric chains that are parallel to each
other and regularly linked to each other by cross-linking agents, thus forming
a network. When water comes into contact with one of these chains, it is drawn
into the molecule by osmosis. Water rapidly migrates into the interior of the
polymer network where it is stored. As the soil dries out, the polymer releases
up to 95% of the absorbed water into the soil. The quantity of cross-linking
agent enables modification of the polymer network.
The more the polymer is crosslinked, the tighter the network. Thus absorption
capacity decreases but the polymer remains more stable over time.
PERFORMANCES AND ADVANTAGES
TRAMSORB is offered in different particle sizes of which the absorption and
release capacities vary depending on the conditions in the soil enviornment.
ARBORICULTURE
TRAMSORB is effective in the planting of trees, bushes, and samplings. It makesit
possible to reduce the mortality rate due to transplanting shock and to enhance
root development and therefore bring about more rapid growth and production.
1. Dig a hole about 3 times the volume of the root system.
2. Mix 1 to 2 kg of TRAMSORB per m3 into the earth fill.
3. The polymer must be evenly mixed into the excavated soil. A small amount
of untreated soil must be set aside.
4. Place the root ball of the plant at the bottom of the hole and fill in the
hole with the treated soil. Make sure that the product is distributed evenly
around the roots. Then cover the surface with 5 cm of untreated soil to prevent
degradation of the polymer by ultraviolet rays and stagnation of water on the
surface.
5. Be especially careful not to put unmixed dry product at the bottom of the
hole. After hydration, the product would destabilize the plant.
Recommended product: TRAMSORB 1003 in coarse soils, TRAMSORB 1004 in fine soils.
Dosage: 1 to 2 kg/m3 of soil.
LAWNS AND SOD
Water retainers are very easily used throughout the growth cycle of lawns and
sod. They ensure good germination, faster root development, and regular and
even growth of lawns. The rooting of sod is also faster. They are widely used
in landscaping for golf courses and grass in parks and gardens.
1. Work, break up, and level the soil to be planted with grass.
2. Spread TRAMSORB on the surface of the soil. The polymer may be broadcast
or applied with a fertilizes spreader for a more even distribution.
3. Work TRAMSORB into the soil to a maximum depth f 10cm. This can be done by
hand with a spade or mechanically with a disk plow or a rototiller.
4. Seed the lawn or lay the soil. Roll the soil to compact it.
5. Use fertilizers if needed.
Recommended product: TRAMSORB 1003
Dosage: 20 to 50 g/m3
HYDROSEEDING
TRAMSORB is commonly used in hydroseeding to stablize newly graded soils. Mized
with or without cellulose mulch, it makes it possible to maintain a minimum
of surface water, which permits rapid sprouting of seedlings even in dry areas.
The vegetation cover develops uniformly and rapidly over the whole treated surface.
There are no dry spots without grass.
The other advantage of TRAMSORB is that it prevents cellulose mulch from becoming
hardpan during a dry spell. The mulch remains aerated and allows the seeds to
sprout quickly. TRAMSORB also makes it possible to reduce the amount of mulch.
TRAMSORB must be added last to the hydroseeder tank, ater theother components:
seeds, fertilizers, mulch, etc. It must be then stirred at least 15 minutes
before spreading.
Amounts are to be adjusted based on soil type, slope of the terrain, plant needs,
weather conditions, etc.
Recommended product: TRAMSORB 1003 or 1005, TRAMBOND A30
BARE ROOT DIPPING
TRAMSORB can be used for root dipping in order to prevent the desiccation of
the roots of seedlings during transplanting over a long distance. The dressing
is prepared as follows:
1. Mix 1 kg of TRAMSORB in 150-200 liters of water. Amounts vary depending on
the salinity of the water.
2. Slowly pour in the product while stirring the water to obtain a dressing
without dumping particles.
3. Let the dressing stand for 15 minutes, the time needed for TRAMSORB to reach
its maximum absorption. It is important to obtain a dressing that will adhere
completely to the roots. The longer the maturation, the thicker the dressing
will be and the better it will adhere to the roots.
4. A water-soluble nematocide and/or fungicide may also be added to the preparation
to protect plants against nematode and fungal attacks.
Recommended product: TRAMSORB 1006
Dosage: 1 kg in 150 to 200 liters of water
SOIL MIXES
Mixed into a substrate, TRAMSORB provides a reduction in water stress. It ensures
that cutting and transplants take root better and that seedlings grow faster.
Irrigation frequencies are spread out. It is an ideal solution in substrates
for containers, hanging plants, and houseplants.
Water frequencies are commonly reduced by 30% to 50%, which likewise reduces
labor costs and the amount of water used.
1. Evenly mix TRAMSORB into the substrate. The amount must be adapted to each
type of substrate based on water requirements and characteristics of the plants
and cultivation and weather conditions. As a general rule, the more permeable
the substrate, the greater the need for TRAMSORB.
2. In permeable substrates made of bark, wood fiber or coconut-residue, the
recommened amount is 2-3 kg/m3
Recommended product: TRAMSORB 1003
Dosage: 1 to 3 kg/m3
MIXING WITH FERTILIZERS
To reduce leaching of nutrients into the soil, TRAMSORB may be mixed into fertilizer
preparations. The behavior of plants fertilized with this mixture makes it possible
to maintain or even increase yield while at the same time protecting the enviornment
from leaching. Manufactures' test results also show better root development
of the plants. Savings on the order of 15% to 30% are observed in the amount
of fertilizers. The polymer is added dry when the fertilizers are manufactured.
Recommended product: TRAMSORB 1003
Dosage: 1% to 5% by weight
ANIMAL LITTER
TRAMSORB products can also be used as as additive in drying feed litters used
in breeding farms to replace the old generation of phosphate based-litters.
This new generation of animal drying has many benefits:
1. A better comfort for the animals due to a dryer bedding enviornment.
2. A reduction of odors.
3. An improvement of the fertilizing value of manure due to a better fixation
of ammonia.
4. A better respect of the enviornment as it is a phosphate-free product.
FLORAL DECORATION
TRAMSORB is commonly used for coloring the water in glass containers. TRAMSORB
in granules is allowed to expand in colored solutions. The hydrogel is placed
in glass containers in which cut flowers may be replaced.
Recommended product: TRAMSORB 1003 OR 1013
Dosage: 1 kg in 150 liters of water.
TRANSPORTING CUT FLOWERS
TRAMSORB in the form of hydrogel may be placed in sealed plasic puches. Once
frozen, the pouches are often used in the transport of heat-sensitive plant
products such as cut flowers. The hydrogel has excellent resistance to heat
shock and does not leak after thawing.
Recommended product: TRAMSORB 1004 or 1003
AGRICULTURE
TRAMSORB has also shown its effectiveness in large-scale farming, especially
at the time of germination and development of the root network due to good aeration
of the soil. The storage of rainwater or irrigation water by TRAMSORB delays
the wilting point and thus makes it possible for certain plants to begin to
be well established while waiting for the water regime to become adequate. TRAMSORB
ensures a good population and an even growth of plants even in very permeable
soils.
For example, in the farming of rain-fed sugar cane, significan increase in yield
of approx. 25% are observed.
1. When replanting a field, put TRAMSORB in the furrows where the cane shoots
are placed.
2. TRAMSORB may be applied at the same time as a fertilizer.
3. Cover the shoots with soil by earthing up.
Recommended product: TRAMSORB 1003 in coarse soils, TRAMSORB 1004 in fine soils
Dosage: 10-15 kg/ha
TEST RESULTS
TRAMSORB improves horticultural crop yields due to better aeration of the substrate.
The date of the first harvest is earlier, which allows for faster crop rotation.
TRAMSORB makes it possible to improve the water retention of substrates. Irrigation
frequencies are spread out therby reducing both water and labor costs.
In rain-fed sugar cane farming, TRAMSORB improves transplanting and growth rates
of cane shoots during the dry season and has allowed for a significant increase
in yields. The sugar yield of plots treated with 15 kg/ha increased by 25% over
the control plots. TRAMSORB was applied locally in the crop furrow when the
shoots were replanted.
In arboriculture, TRAMSORB reduces the summer mortality rate of young trees
due to transplanting shock by 40% with respect to the control group.
INFORMATION ON PRODUCT USE
Application of the dry or hydrated product:
· After hydration of the dry product, it becomes a transparent gel that is greatly
expanded.
· When the product is mixed dry into a substrate, it is recommended that an
empty space of a minimum of 15% be left in containers. During hydration, the
substrate could overflow its container.
· Dry product must not be placed under plugs. the plant could be destabilized
after TRAMSORB hydration/
· It is preferable to mix the dry product in an irrigated soil of substrate.
· On the other hand, hydrating the product in a non-irrigated soil is recommended
so that it becomes active immediately.
Choice of particle size:
This is an important factor to consider based on the soil type.
· In general, the finer the particle size of the polymer, the greater its capacity
and speed of absoprtion and vice-versa.
· When applying TRAMSORB to very porous soils (e.g. sand, compost) use a small
particle size for more rapid water absorption.
· In heavy soils (for example, clay), granules are preferable. They improve
the porosity of the soil due to their great expansion capacity.
·In the preparation of dressings, use a very fine product to achieve protection
of the root hairs.
Very fine products:
· Because of their volatility, wearing a dust mask is recommended.
· If the product is hydrated before use, slowly pour the product into water.
Stirring lightly will prevent the fine particles from clumping.
Additional information:
· The higher the water temperature, the faster the absorption of water by TRAMSORB.
· All the products in the TRAMSORB line have a high absoprtion capacity. If
the product is spilled, be sure not to rinse it with water. The ground
will become extremely slippery. Shovel or vacuum it up.
· To clean equipment, blow off powder traces with compressed air.
· Avoid contact with eyes and skin (use of gloves and goggles is recommended.)
ENVIORNMENT
Enviornmental consequences:
Biodegradation- The polymer is sensitive to the action of ultraviolet rays that,
by breaking bonds, degrade the polymer into oligomers (molecules of much smaller
size). It thus becomes much more sensitive to the aerobic and anaerobic processess
of microbiological degradation. TRAMSORB therefore degrade naturally in soils
(up to 10% to 15% per year) in CO2, H2O and nitrogen compounds.
Bioaccumulation- The polymer is much too voluminou to be absorbed into the tissues
and calls of plants. Its potential to boaccumulate is therefore nil. (SCPA study
n 97-78)
Toxicity- TRAMSORB products demonstrate no systemic toxicity (oral LD50/rats
> 5000 mg/kg).