Reducing barriers to adoption is the key idea behind DPH Biologicals’ newest product – Envelix Prime.
The first of the company’s Prime product line, Envelix is a biological mixed into granular fertilizer before application to allow for simple integration into a grower’s established practices.
“We’re always looking for ways to introduce biology in straightforward and simple ways,” says Alex Cochran, chief technology officer of DPH Biologicals. “This is a convenient solution ag retailers can integrate into their operation that allows them to then interact with growers with something that’s different and really maximize the benefit of combining a biological with their traditional fertilizer approach.”
The product is made up of beneficial bacteria and fungi aiming to increase the availability and efficiency of the fertilizer being applied. Cochran says testing performed by DPH has shown an 18% increase in a plant’s phosphorus uptake when Envelix Prime is applied.
“The Prime component applies specifically to bacteria,” Cochran says. “They germinate faster than non-Prime bacteria and are more resilient to different environmental stresses such as pH and temperature – allowing for more consistency and better performance.”
Because those microorganisms are in a dormant state, Envelix Prime can be stored in a basic, temperature-controlled space and can be blended with dry fertilizer ahead of application.
“The applicator can simply scoop the material into the hopper or mixer with the granular fertilizer as it’s loaded or even after it’s been loaded and then blended,” Cochran says. “We’ve sampled commonly used blenders in retail sites and have seen excellent coverage regardless of the type of equipment being used.”
The product’s use rate is 1 lb. per 1 ton fertilizer, and it can be added to fertilizers such as MAP, DAP and Urea – regardless of spring or fall application.
Two-Fold Benefits
Cochran shares Envelix Prime can be a win-win situation for farmers and retailers.
“This whole product concept was derived from retail partners who were looking to do more with their granular fertilizer,” he says. “For the retailers, there’s an opportunity to differentiate what they’re providing and bring that integrated solution to the grower. For the growers, their fertilizer is going to work more efficiently in their operation and provide better uptake, as well as potentially allow them to carve back a bit on the fertilizer applications down the road as we learn more.”
And after two years in development, the product will be available on a wide scale this fall.
“We’re looking forward to working with retail partners and having the opportunity to introduce this technology on significant acreage,” Cochran says. “It’s exciting to address a key customer pain point as well as bring better biological solutions using the Prime platform.”
