Recent field trials show that enhancing traditional starter programs with regenerative products like Calcine, biologicals, and micronutrients can significantly improve root development, plant health, and final yields. These results demonstrate that the right combination of inputs can boost germination, nutrient uptake, and profitability, especially in challenging soil conditions.
It’s the start of the growing season, which means you’re likely hearing a ton of sale pitches about how this-and-that product can improve yields at your operation. Is the hype all hogwash, or are there some products that actually can increase your yields and profits?
At ST Biologicals, we work with farmers across the country to trial our products so we can prove that our recommendations work. Here are four starter program trials we recently completed with several of our favorite products for tough soils. If you’re looking for results like these, let’s talk.
Calcine Starter Program on Corn
In our trial of our Calcine starter program on corn, we compared the root growth of two different groups. The first was treated with a normal starter program of 5 gallons of 6-24-6. The second group was treated with 2 gallons of 6-24-6 as well as 1 pint of Calcine and water.
When we pulled samples from the trial fields, we found that plants from the first group had dark spots on the bottom of the plant V and the V shape was narrow. In the plants from the second group, there were no dark spots and the V shape was open.
The Calcine in the starter of the second group reduced salts and increased carbon dioxide production in the soil around seeds during germination. As a result, the plants in the treated group took up more nutrients and water throughout the growing season.
Regenerative Ag Starter Program on Soybeans
The ST Biologicals mentors performed a similar trial on soybeans. The first group was treated with starter along, while the second group received the starter as well as regenerative ag products NanoPack, LiquiLife+, and Calcine.
Samples from the second group showed increased lateral roots and stem size as well as taller plants with more nodules. Compared to the first group, the second group’s root systems were much larger and achieved deeper soil penetration. As a result, yield increased by approximately 5 bushels per acre, as measured by the producer and the yield map.
NaneFe and Calcine Starter Program on Soybeans
To demonstrate the benefits of iron and increased carbon dioxide in the soil during germination in soybeans, ST Biologicals trialed NanoFe and Calcine in a grower’s field. Mid-growing season, the producer claimed they could not see a difference, so we performed a field walk.
What we found was that there was a reduction of iron chlorosis in the rows treated with NanoFe and Calcine. We observed better gemination and greater total height of the soybeans in the treated fields.
LiquiLife+ Starter Program on Corn
Yet another trial tested the use of biologicals with starter for corn. The producer treated some rows of his field with starter only and others with starter and BIOACTIVE LiquiLife+. By mid-growing season, there was clear difference in the trial areas, with the plants that received LiquiLife+ being both higher and fuller than the plants that received starter alone.
As a result, the producer reported increased yield at harvest from the plants treated with LiquiLife+. He planned to apply LiquiLife+ in future growing seasons.
While starter alone will get plants to grow, the ST Biologicals mentors found that adding advanced soil technologies such as biologicals and Calcine can boost germination and early growth as well as yields at the end of the season.
Wondering how adjusting your seed starter program could improve yields at your operation? Get in touch with our mentors today. We’re here to help you succeed. When soil speaks, we listen.
Starter Program FAQs
What was the purpose of ST Biologicals’ starter program trials?
The trials were designed to test whether adding regenerative ag products to standard starter programs could improve plant growth, root development, and yield.
How did Calcine impact corn and soybean performance?
Calcine improved soil conditions by reducing salts and increasing carbon dioxide around seeds, leading to better germination, stronger roots, and improved nutrient uptake.
What benefits were seen from adding biological products like LiquiLife+?
Biologicals increased plant size, root mass, and overall vigor, resulting in higher yields compared to using starter fertilizer alone.
Did these treatments consistently improve yields?
Yes, across multiple trials, treated fields showed measurable improvements such as better root systems, reduced nutrient deficiencies, and yield increases of around 5 bushels per acre or more.
