An agricultural water retention system including a subsurface water retention barrier positioned in soil below a root zone of one or more plants; wherein the subsurface water retention barrier consists of a plurality of hydrophobic beads layered in a loosely packed manner; and wherein the subsurface water retention barrier is air permeable. Optionally, there is also included a surface evaporation barrier positioned proximate a surface of the soil, such that the surface evaporation barrier includes at least one layer of hydrophobic beads.

A system for packaging growth medium pots onto propagation trays is provided. The system includes an apparatus adapted for producing a length of growth medium cut into growth medium pots of suitable size; and a distributor apparatus adapted for positioning growth medium pots into a propagation tray or the like. The distributor apparatus comprises a) a first apparatus, b) a conveyor unit, and c) a second apparatus. The first apparatus is configured for positioning growth medium pots onto said conveyor unit. The conveyor unit comprises an endless conveyor belt adapted for transporting the growth medium pots toward the second apparatus. The second apparatus is configured for moving said growth medium pots positioned on the said conveyor belt into a propagation tray or the like.