Midwestern BioAg and IFDC Study Finds Organo-Mineral fertilizers Can Match or Outperform Conventional Fertilizers
A new research partnership between Midwestern BioAg and the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is providing new insight into how carbon-based organo-mineral fertilizers release key nutrients over time compared with conventional fertilizers. The findings show that TerraNu® phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can maintain nutrient availability later into the growing season, helping better align fertilizer performance with periods of peak crop demand.
The 98-day soil incubation study evaluated TerraNu, Midwestern BioAg’s dairy manure-derived organo-mineral fertilizer, against conventional phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. TerraNu pBase shifted phosphorus availability closer to peak crop demand, while TerraNu K+ maintained more consistent potassium availability across soil conditions. Under alkaline conditions, TerraNu K+ also provided approximately 15% more total available potassium than muriate of potash (MOP).
The results add another consideration for growers and retailers evaluating fertilizer options: not only how much nutrient is applied, but when it remains available to the crop. That timing could help growers make more efficient use of fertilizer applications while reducing the risk of nutrients becoming unavailable or moving off the field.
“With mineral fertilizer costs rising, every input dollar needs to work harder,” said Christopher Kniffen, senior director of product development at Midwestern BioAg. “Nutrient stewardship means keeping phosphorus and potassium available to the crop — not losing value when nutrients are released before the crop can use them.”
The research also reinforces the importance of nutrient timing, especially in the U.S. northern High Plains, where temperature and application windows can influence both economic returns and downstream water quality. The findings indicate that these nutrient-release patterns can help align nutrient availability with crop demand and reduce the risk of loss.
Independent research evaluates nutrient release over time
Partnering with IFDC, an independent nonprofit research organization with more than 50 years of experience advancing fertilizer technologies and nutrient-use efficiency, was critical to understanding how nutrient availability differs between conventional mineral fertilizers and carbon-based organo-mineral fertilizers. The IFDC study compared TerraNu pBase and TerraNu K+ with monoammonium phosphate (MAP), muriate of potash (MOP) and sulfate of potash (SOP). IFDC researchers evaluated nutrient availability in acidic and alkaline soils under time and temperature conditions designed to represent the U.S. northern High Plains.
The study found:
- TerraNu pBase shifted phosphorus availability closer to crop demand. In alkaline soil, MAP showed its highest phosphorus availability during the first 14 days, while TerraNu pBase peaked at approximately 35 days. A similar pattern occurred in acidic soil, where TerraNu pBase reached its highest availability during the 14- to 35-day crop-demand window.
- TerraNu K+ delivered more stable potassium availability. Unlike MOP and SOP, which produced sharper availability spikes that varied by soil condition, TerraNu K+ maintained a steadier release across acidic and alkaline soils.
- Under alkaline soil conditions, TerraNu K+ provided approximately 15% more total available potassium than MOP. Potassium availability also remained elevated from 49 to 77 days after application, overlapping with strong potassium demand in corn and soybeans.
Together, these patterns could reduce the need to compensate for early nutrient losses and potentially help growers capture more value from their fertilizer investment.
“We were encouraged to see TerraNu pBase provide phosphorus availability comparable to conventional phosphorus fertilizers, while TerraNu K+ provided similar or, under certain conditions, greater potassium availability than conventional sources,” said Kiran Pavuluri, Ph.D., Director of Innovations and Research at IFDC. “The results demonstrate the potential of these organo-mineral products to serve as effective nutrient sources across contrasting soil conditions.”
Midwestern BioAg and IFDC will share additional findings as they become available.
“This is the kind of independent research growers and retailers need as they evaluate fertilizer technologies, especially when products carry a premium,” Kniffen said. “These findings provide a clearer basis for that investment and give those on the farm a credible foundation for 2027 fertilizer planning.”
For a closer look at the study methodology and initial findings, review the research summary or request a copy of the full study.
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