DPH Biologicals Builds on R&D Commitment to Quantify Full Potential of Biologicals
To instill confidence and foster innovation in the agricultural biologicals sector, DPH Biologicals has announced the expansion of its science-first, data-verified approach with a multi-year effort to quantify the comprehensive value potential of biologicals.
“DPH Bio has been committed to science that yields results from day one. Based on multi-year field research and through collaborations with our partners, we aim to provide customers a deeper understanding of the distinct value potential unlocked by biologicals,” said Mick Messman, President and CEO of DPH Bio, speaking at the 2024 Commodity Classic agricultural trade show in Houston that annually convenes thousands of growers. “Historically, return-on-investment has been measured by the cost to increase yield. However, our customers see the long-term value that biologicals deliver, such as improved soil health, water use efficiency, disease control, and plantability.”
A review of 107 corn trials conducted over three years using TerraTrove SP-1 Classic revealed increased fertilizer efficiency in addition to average yield increase of 2.5 bushels per acre.
In a multi-year study, SP-1 Classic averaged 6.5 more bushels per acre in high-yield, 220-bushel per acre corn in the Midwest. Photo: DPH Biologicals
“Although yield is an important metric, we believe it’s critical for growers to be able to measure the holistic value of biologicals in the field and across their entire business,” said Messman. “As we expand our portfolio and industry partnerships, we are pioneering the concept of ‘BioAgonomics’ to capture and maximize the full value proposition of biological solutions. As we further analyze the data, we are seeing some interesting trends based on management practices and soil conditions.”
For example, in a multi-year study, SP-1 Classic averaged 6.5 more bushels per acre in high-yield, 220-bushel per acre corn in the Midwest.
DPH Biologicals Introduces BioAgonomics to Redefine On-Farm Value
Defined by DPH Bio as the branch of knowledge in agriculture focused on the connection between agronomic practices in crop production and the transfer and consumption of value uniquely unlocked by biologicals, BioAgonomics uses biologicals to create sustainable profitability and ingenuity across the supply chain, delivering the highest value in the field and for channel partners, including growers, ag retailers and advisors, product manufacturers and food companies.
For instance, TerraTrove Residuce Complete delivers more than increased yield and fertilizer savings. As a comprehensive biodigester, Residuce accelerates the breakdown of crop residue, like corn stover and tough organic matter. A Michigan State University study revealed that corn stover contains 100 pounds of nitrogen (N), 50 pounds of phosphorus (P), and 210 pounds of potassium (K) an acre on a 200-bushell crop. In a recent field trial, Residuce delivered 19.7% degradation after a fall application. By leveraging these findings, Residuce can be calculated to provide 19.7 pounds of N, 9.85 pounds of P and 41.37 pounds of K, or more than $45 per acre in fertilizer savings.
Furthermore, additional value can be quantified by accounting for factors, such as more uniform seedling emergence, reduced farm equipment wear and tear, reduction of the disease host, and improved plant standability, as well as the retention and conversion of carbon within the soil.
Through collaborations with trusted advisors, including prominent researchers at University of Illinois, DPH Bio will continue to collect and evaluate data to calculate biologicals’ comprehensive value to growers in aspects beyond yield.
“With advanced scientific research and on-farm trials, results can easily be seen in the field, but we aspire for more,” said Messman. “The pivotal convergence of biologicals, agronomy and economics holds the key for a triple bottom-line impact by improving crop production, land stewardship and rural livelihoods. Looking ahead, and in collaboration with our partners, our mission is to give growers an even clearer, comprehensive view of their investment in biologicals.”
For more information, growers participating in Commodity Classic are invited to visit DPH Bio at Booth 6945 on the third floor of the George Brown Convention Center. In addition, the company plans a series of workshops, including a CropLife webinar on March 5th.
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