An international firm is working with the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension to verify the company's patented process as a viable resource for farmers with marginal and sandy soils.

Desert Control, a Norwegian company with offices also in the United Arab Emirates, is collaborating with Arizona Extension researchers to study their liquid natural clay, which the company says can turn poor soil into productive farmland. The process is said to increase water and fertilizer holding capacity by 50%.

Through the collaboration Desert Control will learn from university researchers if their process works in Arizona farming systems. Studies are expected to continue for five years.