The science behind NEPS

Exlterra NEPS (Nutrient Enrichment Passive System) revolutionizes how we address soil nutrient depletion and tree health. By working harmoniously with natural soil processes, NEPS restores essential nutrients trapped in compacted layers, ensuring healthier, more resilient trees and plants. This energy-free, maintenance-free system provides a long-term solution for sustainable soil enrichment.

Core mechanism

At its core, NEPS revitalizes nutrient-depleted soil by enhancing the soil's ability to release and retain essential nutrients. Unlike fertilizers that add external chemicals, NEPS enables the soil to restore its natural fertility sustainably.

Nutrient availability

NEPS improves the availability of nutrients trapped in compacted soil layers, ensuring they can be absorbed by roots. This is achieved by creating optimal conditions for nutrient mobility and root access.

Capillary action

By enhancing soil porosity, NEPS amplifies the natural movement of water and dissolved nutrients through tiny soil pores. This ensures consistent nutrient delivery to plant roots, supporting growth and resilience.

Soil structure enhancement

NEPS promotes a balanced soil structure that optimizes the interaction of water, air, and nutrients. This harmony helps trees and plants thrive without chemical intervention.

Key components

Polyethylene design

NEPS units are constructed from chemically inert polyethylene, ensuring they remain effective and environmentally safe for decades.

Durability

Resistant to temperature extremes, UV exposure, and soil-borne degradation, NEPS units maintain long-term performance in diverse conditions.

Sustainability

Operating passively without energy or external inputs, NEPS provides an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach to soil enrichment.

Durable structure

Made from chemically neutral polyethylene, NEPS units resist degradation, ensuring reliable performance in all soil types and climates.

Energy-free operation

Utilizes natural soil forces to activate nutrient enrichment, eliminating the need for external power sources.

Modular adaptability

Available in multiple configurations, NEPS units can be tailored to meet the specific needs of any landscape.

Seamless installation

Designed for minimal installation depth, NEPS integrates easily without disturbing existing vegetation or infrastructure.

Step-by-step natural process

Soil activation

NEPS units improve soil porosity and nutrient mobility, making essential elements available to plants.

Nutrient availability

Locked nutrients are freed from compacted layers and redistributed throughout the root zone.

Enhanced root access

Improved soil structure ensures roots can absorb water and nutrients more effectively.

Sustained fertility

Once activated, NEPS continuously supports soil fertility over decades, requiring no reapplication or maintenance.

Integration with natural systems

NEPS enhances soil's natural nutrient cycling by restoring depleted nutrients for sustained soil fertility, improving nutrient delivery to roots without external chemicals, and maintaining soil health and vitality over the long term.

Before

After

Without NEPS: Depleted soil and stunted tree growth

With NEPS: Nutrient-rich soil and thriving trees

Exlterra NEPS unit for tree and soil nutrient enrichment

Cross-section of a NEPS unit

Further technical questions

Does NEPS work in all soil types? Yes. NEPS is effective in various soil conditions, including compacted, sandy, or nutrient-depleted soils. Its design adapts to different soil compositions, optimizing nutrient availability and root access.

How does NEPS ensure long-term soil health? NEPS operates continuously without degrading over time. By improving soil structure and fostering a natural balance of water, air, and nutrients, it sustains soil fertility for decades without requiring reinstallation or additional interventions.

How does NEPS release nutrients without chemicals or fertilizers? NEPS enhances the natural processes within the soil that release nutrients trapped in compacted layers. By improving soil structure and porosity, NEPS creates optimal conditions for nutrient mobility and root absorption, all without external inputs.

What makes NEPS different from traditional soil enrichment methods? Unlike chemical fertilizers that add nutrients externally, NEPS restores the soil’s natural ability to maintain fertility. It operates passively and permanently, eliminating the need for repeated applications, external energy, or maintenance.

Real-world validation

Case studies demonstrate the impact of NEPS in revitalizing soil fertility and improving tree health. Results include increased crop yields, healthier trees, and reduced dependency on chemical fertilizers, showcasing the long-term benefits of this innovative system.