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"Recent studies demonstrate that commercial growers using Holganix Bio 800⁺ Agriculture on corn and soybeans can reduce fertilizer use and see yield gains over a control and over certain competing products," explains David Stark, Ph.D., President of Agriculture at Holganix LLC. 

Holganix Bio 800⁺ Agriculture is an organic microbial soil inoculant that harnesses the power of over 800 species of soil microbes to improve soil health, reduce the need for fertilizer, and promote crop yield. At Holganix, we know that charging soil with diverse microbes will help our farmers improve the health of their soil, investing in the legacy of their farm for future generations. 

While Holganix has been studying the benefit of using Holganix Bio 800⁺ Agriculture on corn and soybeans for several years, in this blog we explore some of our most recent findings over the past two years, while also highlighting some of our favorite studies from previous years.

1. Data on Corn Yields and Fertilizer Reductions
2. Data on Soybean Yields
3. How Do You Use Holganix Bio 800⁺ Agriculture on Corn and Soybeans? 

Corn: Yield Improvements and Fertilizer Reductions

Watch this video explanation of our results, featuring an interview with Holganix President of Agriculture, Dave Stark, Ph.D., or keep scrolling to view the results for yourself. If you are reading this blog via email, click here to watch the video.  

fertilizer Reductions on corn

“Holganix recommends that growers reduce fertilizer use by 10-30% when using Holganix Bio 800⁺ Agriculture on corn,” explains Dave. “Additional reductions may be possible depending on the soil type and current agricultural practices.”  

Research clearly shows soil with active, diverse biology exhibits much better nutrient use efficiency; however, an overabundance of nutrients blunts this benefit.  “Since Holganix Bio 800⁺ Agriculture provides all the biological diversity soil needs, growers will see even better results when they reduce fertilizer rates.”  

Perhaps North Dakota farmer and Holganix Dealer, Taylor Petsinger, said it best when he stated, “I improved my corn and bean yields while reducing my fertilizer requirements. It’s like getting increased yields for free.”  

Below, third-party researchers in Iowa conducted tests using Holganix Bio 800⁺ Agriculture at 5%, 10% and 20% fertilizer reductions. Fertilizer reductions were taken at preplant or at planting.  The researchers still showed a net yield gain even at 20% fertilizer reductions over the check.  

Additional research data, out of North Central Illinois, demonstrated a 9 bushel per acre increase in yield over the control while reducing fertilizer by 20% in a corn-on-corn rotation. The study was done on replicated plots on non-irrigated land.  

Corn Yield 

“Third-party research and commercial grower data support Holganix’s claims that corn growers can expect a yield increase when using the product,” explains Dave Stark.  

Below, third-party research from Agronomy 365, out of Wessington, SD and Spring Grove, MN, demonstrates 3-11 bushel per acre yield gains over the controls with high percentage wins.  

Data out of Maryland demonstrates 15 bushels per acre yield gains, on average, over 4 replicated plots compared to the check. Each rep included 6, 30” rows, 100’ long.    

Data out of North Carolina demonstrates 4-15 bushels per acre yield gains over the check. Yield gains were seen on both heavy and light soil, regardless of application method.  

In Wisconsin, researchers comparing 9 field strips treated with Holganix Bio 800⁺ Agriculture to 8 checks saw 4+ bushels per acre yield gains on average. The trial used an alternating strip design. Additional data on moisture and the standard deviation is provided below.  

Data from Illinois, by Precision Planting PTI Farm Research, demonstrated a ~6 bushel per acre yield over the control.  

Soybeans: Yield improvements 

Watch this video explanation of our results, featuring an interview with Holganix President of Agriculture, Dave Stark, Ph.D., or keep scrolling to view the results for yourself. If you are reading this blog via email, click here to watch the video.  

Third-party research data from Iowa demonstrated a ~5 bushel per acre advantage over the check and 130-acre field average. A competitor provided the researchers with 7 different products compared to using just Holganix Bio 800⁺ Agriculture. According to the researcher, he “called the results a flop” with the competitor program. Holganix Bio 800⁺ Agriculture outperformed the competitor for a much lower price and much easier application. 

Research out of North Carolina demonstrated a 2 bushel per acre advantage over the check on both light and heavy soil types.

Additional research data, out of Western Missouri, demonstrated a +3 bushel per acre increase in yield over the control. The study was done on replicated plots on non-irrigated land.  

How do you use Holganix Bio 800⁺ Agriculture on Corn and soybeans?

Holganix recommends that growers using the product on corn and soybeans reduce their fertilizer inputs by 10-30%. Holganix Bio 800⁺ Agriculture should be applied at 0.5 gal per acre, at or as close to planting as practical, using any application method convenient to the grower (seed treatments are not recommended since the product does not dry well). Total foliar spray volume should be at least 10 gallons per acre (water, fertilizer, etc.).  

Please do not tank mix fungicides with Holganix Bio 800⁺ Agriculture, although fungicides may be applied separately and may be present on the seed coating.  

Holganix Bio 800⁺ products can be stored at ambient temperatures, out of direct sunlight, for up to four weeks, without product degradation and often longer depending on container size. The product should be refrigerated for long-term storage.  

Looking for Additional data or looking for a testimonial from commercial growers? 

Download our Product Performance Book for a library of pictures and data from both third-party researchers and commercial growers.