Q. What is SoilSET?
A. SoilSET organic soil binders are a revolutionary new nanotechnology product used for dust control, soil stabilization, re-vegetation, and erosion control caused by wind, rain or water runoff. Currently SoilSET come in two forms; 1) SoilBIND, used for dust control and soil stabilization in non-traffic areas, and 2) SoilVEG, used in erosion control, re-vegetation projects, such as road and building construction, wildfire burn areas and mining reclamation projects.

Q. What is nanotechnology?
A. “The application of science to developing new materials and processes by manipulating molecular and atomic particles.” (www.nanoelectronicsplanet.com/glossary/article)

Q. Why is SoilSET a nanotechnology?
A. The SoilSET mixture is configured through reactions at the nano measurement level.

Q. How does SoilSET (“SoilBIND”) control dust or stabilize soil?
A. When water is added to SoilBIND’s dry ingredients, an electro-chemical reaction occurs within the solution. When applied, SoilBIND agglomerates the nano, micro and macro particles in the soil. When re-hydration occurs, SoilBIND relieves the surface tension of the water runoff, allowing water migration into the soil while binding the soil.

Q. How does SoilSET (“SoilVEG”) stabilize the soil and accelerate re-vegetation?
A. When water is added to SoilVEG’s dry ingredients, a chemical reaction occurs within the product solution. The resulting product, when applied, agglomerates the nano, micro and macro particles in the soil. Paper and/or wood mulch fibers, plus, seeds are added to the SoilVEG formulation to create a re-vegetation solution. On re-hydration, SoilVEG relieves the surface tension of the water runoff, allowing water migration into the soil while binding the soil.

Q. What is in SoilSET?
A. SoilSET is made from a refined agricultural derivative and an inorganic catalyst. Feedstocks for SoilSET are not residual materials from other industries or processes, but newly produced and available worldwide. About 98% of SoilSET is water and approximately 2% is chemical ingredients.

Q. How is SoilSET different from other products?
A. The majority of available products are simply tackifiers (topical soil applications highly dispersible in water); whereas, SoilSET is an organic soil binder (agglomerates nano, micro, and macro soil particles together and produces significant water absorption and retention), binding product and topcoat from .5 to 1 inch into the soil.

Q. Is SoilVEG a bonded fiber matrix?
A. SoilVEG fits the original concept of the BFM, however SoilVEG contains a smaller amount of mulch or fiber and the solution is designed to bind material to the soil particles, in addition to binding together the mixture. The matrix allows water to pass through the fiber overlay, transporting moisture to the plant seedlings and soil microorganisms that require hydration. While BFM products are highly water soluble, SoilSET has a duration of six to twelve months through multiple weather cycles including rain.

Q. Does SoilSET have a negative impact on the environment?
A. No, because SoilSET is an organically based material, compatible with plant germination and growth.

Q. Does your process introduce any manufactured nano particles in the soil?
A. No. SoilSET contains no manufactured nano-particles, silicates or powders. SoilSET provides adhesion promotion between all sizes of natural soil particles including PM 2.5 PM 10, etc.

Q. Is SoilSET toxic?
A. No. While everything has a toxicity range, the LC 50 laboratory report or aquatic toxicity test on SoilSET is well within acceptable ranges for application to the environment.

Q. Does it have an alkaline or acidic pH?
A. SoilSET has an alkaline pH range of 11-13, like some NPK fertilizers. When applied to the soil, SoilSET pH buffers out – that is, it quickly adjusts closer to the soil pH.

Q. What happens to the pH when SoilSET is re-hydrated?
A. The pH range is around 10.

Q. How much material is used per acre?
A. SoilBIND application specification is 1200 gallons per acre. SoilVEG application specification is generally 2000 gallons per acre.

Q. Is SoilSET required to cover the entire surface of the effected areas?
A. SoilBIND for dust control is required to cover the entire area to be stabilized. The fugitive dust left untreated will contaminate the treated areas. In using SoilVEG, generally 75-80% coverage will provide stabilization and growth potential for the majority of the immediate area, leaving some additional opportunity for native seeds to prosper.

Q. How do you apply SoilSET?
A. SoilBIND application methods include ground applications using spreader trucks, hydroseeders, and water trucks. SoilVEG application methods include applications using hydraulic equipment or aerial application through fixed or rotor wing aircraft.

Q. What are the limitations of SoilSET?
A.

1. SoilSET (both SoilBIND and SoilVEG) is configured for non-traffic areas. Heavy traffic will rapidly degrade the functionality of the applied product.
2. SoilSET will not survive for significant periods of time under continuous running water. SoilSET will survive normal and even heavy rain cycles.
3. Since SoilSET is not a cementacious substance, it cannot be used to prevent landslides, rock or large particle movement or indefinite longevity.
4. SoilSET has a finite life. It is designed to degrade within a six to twelve month window depending on application formula and environmental conditions.
5. SoilSET must be applied in a liquid form and cannot be applied as a dry concentrate.
6. Because SoilSET must be applied in a liquid form, an accessible water source is required for mixing and application.
7. SoilSET is not cost effective for small applications (under 5 acres).

Q. What are the costs of materials and application?
A. SoilSET is generally less expensive than industry standard Bonded Fiber Matrix products. The amount of material, ease of mixing, transportation costs and production-spread rates contribute to the cost effectiveness of SoilSET products. Sequoia Pacific will be happy to quote prices based on a project specific basis. Application is achieved using common industry standard equipment and costs will vary by method and logistics.

Q. In what forms is SoilSET available?
A. SoilSET is available in a liquid concentrate. Depending on the size of the job and proximity, SoilSET is either shipped as a liquid concentrate or manufactured on site.

Q. How can I receive information or purchase SoilSET?
A. Call Sequoia Pacific at 888-465-8801 or email us at sequoiaprc@sequoiaprc.com….. to receive information or order SoilSET from a project coordinator.