First-Ever On-Seed Nitrogen Introduced for Use in Corn, Small Grains
Pivot Bio announced an industry first for farmers this week – the development and introduction of on-seed microbial nitrogen for crops including corn, grain sorghum and spring wheat.
“Our mission is to replace synthetic nitrogen with a better source of nitrogen for our growers,” Keith O’Bryan, director of seed treatments for Pivot Bio, told Farm Journal.
The on-seed nitrogen is being marketed as Proven 40 On-Seed (OS) for corn and Return On-Seed for small grains.
“This has never been done before,” O’Bryan says. “It's so exciting because it brings together the combination of an innovative product formulation with a process for application of the microbe onto the seed very safely, yielding a consistent form of nitrogen for the customer.”
“Having an on-seed nitrogen option is huge, because it opens the door for every grower out there,” adds Matt Kestel, Pivot Bio territory sales manager in northwest Iowa.
O’Bryan says the nitrogen microbe is very efficient at producing ammonia for the plant as well as dependable, as the microbe adheres to plant roots. “It doesn't volatilize, doesn't leach, and doesn't denitrify, so it gives us a more consistent form of nitrogen,” he notes. “We’re providing a better source of nitrogen for our customers, one that is sustainable and environmentally safe.”
Results from On-Farm Research
Pivot Bio recently completed the broadest U.S. in-plant nitrogen study conducted in a single growing season, measuring and verifying product performance across more than 2,100 on-farm fields, encompassing 1.3 million acres, according to a company press release.
To date, side-by-side comparisons show that the plants where Pivot Bio microbes were used have 14% more nitrogen in the plant and 12% more plant biomass compared to untreated plants, demonstrating the nitrogen efficacy of Pivot Bio’s products.
“Based on the demand we’ve experienced in prior years and the intense interest in our product as we open 2023 sales, it is clear to us that growers are looking for a dependable source of nitrogen,” said Karsten Temme, Pivot Bio co-founder and CEO, in the release. “We have provided a microbe-based nitrogen that is produced in the U.S. This nitrogen empowers growers to apply it at the time of planting, so they are in control in a profession where so many variables are beyond their control.”
In-Furrow and On-Seed Options
Kestel says interested farmers can check with their local seed sales representative about using the new on-seed nitrogen.
“In most cases, it’s a seamless decision. Farmers just order their seed and tell their sales representative they want the 40 OS on it,” he says. “From there, they take delivery of the seed like usual and they’re good to go.”
For 2023, farmers can choose between two nitrogen application methods – in-furrow or on-seed.
“The beauty of Pivot Bio is we've built out a really good team of agronomists and territory managers, and you can sit down with them to discuss your management plan for your nitrogen and how this can fit into your program,” Kestel says.
“We do have an early launch period right now, where we are offering some incentives on orders taken by September 21,” he adds.
More information is available at www.pivotbio.com
