How Enhanced Soil Health Affects Row Crops
Row crop growers who use microalgae-based soil amendments know from experience that soil rich in helpful microorganisms and nutrients is ideal for promoting root and plant vigor, improving drought tolerance, reducing damage during harvesting and transport, and increasing the shelf life of crops. However, their observations aren’t the only evidence of these benefits.
Scientific studies on PhycoTerra® from Heliae® Agriculture have documented remarkable results across a wide range of crops. In one example, soybean yield was increased by 31% or 5.7 bushels per acre. When applied to alfalfa fields, PhycoTerra® produced a significant advantage in shoot dry weight over standard practices and a seaweed commercial application. And when used with sweet corn, the innovative microalgae-based soil amendment produced an 8% increase in yield for a 14:1 ROI as compared to the grower standard.
Other studies on cover crop seed mixes including organic oats, bell beans, Tr107 peas, and purple hairy vetch showed similar improvements versus an untreated control and a humate product applied directly after seeding.
And PhycoTerra® does more than simply improve harvests. Developed and rigorously tested by agricultural scientists and engineers, and available in conventional and organic formulations, it provides a wide range of benefits to soil—a grower’s most valuable asset—throughout the lifecycle of the acreage. This includes improved crop establishment and heartier crops in young fields, and increased nutrient bioavailability and water retention that revitalizes older fields and extends their viability.
To learn more about Heliae® Agriculture and PhycoTerra®, please visit phycoterra.com or call (800) 998-6536.