One segment of biological products presents a specific opportunity for ag retailers. Several companies have introduced biological technology formulated to blend with a traditional dry bulk fertilizer.
In addition to their marketed benefits, the products vary based on their compatibility with certain dry fertilizers as well as application timing and rates. This roundup gives details on this growing category.
BigYield’s BP FA
BP FA from BigYield is formulated with multiple beneficial bacteria to be impregnated onto dry fertilizer and help solubilize tied-up phosphorus. The product promises to provide a more even fertilizer spread with dust control, protect plants against soilborne disease, increase plant vigor and boost yield. According to BigYield, BP FA also reduces the need for follow-up foliar fungicide applications. The recommended application rate is 1 pint per acre.
BP FA should be stored in a cool environment out of direct sunlight and inside its original container.
DPH Biologicals’ Envelix Prime
Envelix Prime from DPH Biologicals is a microbial nutrient enhancer designed to stick biology to applied fertilizer before application for simple integration into a grower’s already-established practices. It’s made up of beneficial bacteria to increase the availability and efficiency of the fertilizer being applied, and according to DPH, it has shown to facilitate an 18% increase in a plant’s available phosphorus and meaningful increases in several micronutrients.
The product’s use rate is 1.6 oz. per acre, and it can be added to fertilizers such as MAP, DAP and urea. Envelix Prime has a two-year shelf life.
Growmark’s PhosLink
PhosLink is a liquid suspension concentrate intended to enhance the efficiency of dry fertilizers, especially phosphorus. The product is compatible with all dry fertilizers and has a use rate of 64 oz. to 128 oz. per ton of fertilizer. PhosLink is best kept above freezing temperatures but can freeze and also has a shelf life of two years. If it has been sitting for more than a year, then Growmark recommends recirculating it.
Meristem’s Fuel-Line
Fuel-Line is Meristem’s fertilizer biological enhancement. The product has been formulated with zinc and functional compounds for impregnation on both dry phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Its micronutrients and enzymes work to accelerate the breakdown of treated dry fertilizers and help make the nutrients more available to the plant faster. Fuel-Line promotes improved root growth and function, early-season vigor and plant development.
Effective across a broad range of plant and soil types, Fuel-Line has a use rate of 2 qt. per ton of fertilizer and a three-year shelf life from the date of production. Its recommended storage conditions are a cool, dry and well-ventilated area and inside dark, fiberglass or plastic containers that are out of direct sunlight or UV light.
Mosaic’s PowerCoat
PowerCoat is a biological fertilizer complement from Mosaic that is formulated with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria to improve the solubilization of dry fertilizer and maximize its ROI.
According to Mosaic, PowerCoat provides a yield advantage ROI of 4.9-to-1 when combined with its BioPath product. PowerCoat is compatible with most granular fertilizers, has no special storage conditions and has a shelf life of 24 months in concentrate and 18 months on dry fertilizer.
Applicators should maintain a minimum of 2.5 fl. oz. per acre for banded applications and 5 fl. oz. per acre for broadcast applications. Mosaic provides an impregnation rate calculator on dry fertilizer as the recommendation varies between 22 fl. oz. and 102 fl. oz. per 2,000 lb.
