Biological products used as crop enhancements have exploded in recent years. Unfortunately, this is also one of the most complex, and often misunderstood areas of crop production.

“Biological” refers to any living organism that is applied to a crop that provides a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship. Biologicals typically fall into one of three broad categories: biostimulants,
biofertilizers and biopesticides.

Even though the term “biological” is fairly new, biologicals have been around for some time. Bradyrhizobium japonicum, a common nitrogen-fixing bacteria used as a soybean inoculant, was first used in 1957. Much of the recent growth in the biological space has been driven by increased interest in “green” or alternative fertility and crop protection solutions.

Biostimulants

This group of substances can change the physiological processes in the plant to provide benefits of growth, development and stress mitigation. An example would be a plant growth regulator, commonly applied as a seed treatment or in a liquid fertilizer package at planting.

Biofertilizers

This group of organisms are typically applied on the seed prior to planting. They colonize the area around the roots of the growing plant, acidifying the root zone, making nutrients more available for plant uptake. Phosphorous and certain micronutrients are most affected.

Biopesticides

This is a broad category that includes insecticides, fungicides and nematicides, which all provide protection against various yield-robbing pests.

Why Biological Results Vary So Much

When considering using biologicals, it is important to understand they are a living organism in an environment we can’t control. As farmers, our mindset is that if we spend $1, we want something more than $1 in return. Sounds simple, after all we are running a business that needs to make money.

However, it is not that simple when working with biologicals because their success is influenced by environmental variables out of our control, such as:

• Soil temperature and moisture
• Organic matter and residue levels
• Soil pH
• The microbial population already present in the soil
• Application timing and placement
• Overall crop stress

These influences can often lead to varied results.

Factors to consider

1. Cost. Some biological treatments can cost as little as a few dollars per acre to as much as $25+ per acre. Cost does NOT indicate performance!
2. Application. How do you get the biological in the soil and working for you as soon as possible? Do you need any specialized equipment? Is there a timeline for getting it in the soil before it dies?
3. Handling. Is it a multipack that requires mixing before application? Many of these products require combining the biological with a talc or graphite which can be hard on the mortality of the organisms.
4. Risk. The biggest risk is financial. I recommend trying different products across different environments to see what works for your operation.

Left vs right: Example of how biologicals can affect corn nodal root development.

My Biological Bottom Line

The biological space will continue to grow and expand. Innovation brings expanded opportunities.

Do your research, ask questions and trial before committing whole farms. With increased pressure from outside the ag world for greater nutrient efficiency, there are increased opportunities for products like biologicals. I encourage farmers to be open-minded.

At Peterson, our goal is to help customers understand and navigate the complex world of biologicals with local data and real-world
experience.

That’s where programs like Peterson Advance are valuable. By testing biologicals across different environments, soil types and management systems in our footprint, we can identify:

✔ Where products consistently respond

✔ Where results are situational

✔ Where products don’t justify the investment