AvGro Launches First Arizona Soil Modification Study in Fountain Hills

June 13, 2012 - PRLog -- Avelis Biotech, (www.avelisbiotech.com) a research and development firm affiliated with ASU’s SkySong Global Innovation Center, has commercialized its soil technologies under the AvGro brand.  While active in the South and Midwest since the fourth quarter of 2011, the demonstration that began last week at Fountain Park represents the first deployment of AvGro soil technologies in Arizona.  

Based on other third party trials and successes, some as close as New Mexico, it is expected that the organic AvGro Mend soil amendment will bolster and support the biological system of the desert soil, which will in turn allow vegetation to flourish.  

“Fountain Hills, via the Greening of Downtown Committee, seeks out innovative and environmentally sound products and practices to incorporate in its beautification efforts,” said Committee Chairman Jenny Willigrod.  “Avelis Biotech is aligned with the Greening Committee’s initiatives for innovation and the research component of the demonstration and potential benefits to the park were deemed mutually beneficial,” she added.

On May 23rd, the organic AvGro product was applied via a hydro-seeder to three areas in Fountain Park. Two of the parks three islands were chosen, the first of which was Shorebird Island, near the Veteran’s memorial and the second was Great Blue Heron Island, where half was the island was treated.  For the island applications, just water and AvGro Mend was applied.  It is anticipated that the AvGro Mend will loosen the soil on the islands, and jump start the biological activity, making for a more hospitable environment for future vegetation, and thus, for migratory birds.

The third area chosen was directly between the fountain side of the Fountain Plaza businesses and the children’s water park, which is a high traffic area.  For this demonstration, AvGro Mend soil amendment was mixed with seed and mulch and sprayed on the plot.  The company predicts faster seed germination, increased moisture retention, and a more turgid root mass.  

“The challenges that Fountain Park faces are particularly interesting given the foot traffic due to popularity of the park, the reclaimed water irrigation, restricted watering practices, the vast bird and small animal populations, and the seasonally harsh climate,” said Dr. Justin Cannock, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Avelis Biotech.  “We anticipate this demonstration will add greatly to our research data over the next 6-9 months as we monitor efficacy of the deployed formulation, application rate, moisture retention, and sustainable vegetative growth.”  

SunWest Golf and Reclamation of Casa Grande, AZ donated the equipment and labor for the applications and the AvGro product deployed was also supplied for the demonstration.

“We are very appreciative of the willingness of Avelis Biotech to donate both the material needed and the means to apply the product at no expense to the Town. We are grateful for the product and the installation as the soil problems that result from using reclaimed water will only grow over the years,” said Mark Mayer, Parks and Recreation Director for Fountain Hills.

"Due to the number of golf courses and greenbelt areas that are irrigated with reclaimed water in Arizona, the outcome of this initial study could have far-reaching ramifications for municipalities and private business in Arizona", says Monica Brandt, COO of Avelis Biotech, developer of the AvGro products. "This public/private partnership is a great way to expand our research across a wider area of the Southwest."