A short Q & A on how to select an inoculant or biological
with Jeremy Voth of XiteBio Technologies Inc.
Q: What is an ag-biological can you define it for me?
A: The term ag-biological is quite broad. It could mean a product made from non-living components, like extracts from a plant or animal. Or it could describe products containing living microbes like fungi, or even bacteria, which are the most common organism living in the soil.
Q: What is the first thing that farmers should have in mind when choosing an ag-biological?
A: Know what you’re looking to achieve. If it’s improved fertility, or pest management, search for products that help you reach your goals.
Q: Most inoculants and ag- biologicals claim to boost yields what is a reasonable expectation of return? How do I tell which biologicals are being truthful in their product claims?
A: Quality biologicals are upfront about what they do and how they do it. Broad and unspecific claims that offer guaranteed results should be viewed with skepticism. While they’re an effective tool within a larger fertility program, no biological is a silver bullet. Using data from across the industry, quality biologicals generally result in crop improvement about 75% of the time, while averaging about a 5-10% yield increase.
Q: Beyond the companies making reasonable claims how can I verify if those claims have been tested?
A: Thoroughly developed products will have demonstrated their effectiveness in the lab, greenhouse and field before being released. Companies should have easily available data showing their products consistently work in the field. This data should also include results from independent 3rd party testers. In Canada you should also verify that it is a CFIA registered product.
Q: I often hear that a biological needs to fit into my program. What does that mean?
A: Biologicals should be simple to use and easily fit into your operation. Is it all in one package or does it require extra mixing? Is it compatible with the seed treatments, fertilizers and herbicides you’re already using? Biologicals provide the most value when they fit smoothly into what you’re already doing.
Q: Can you give me an example of this using our XiteBio® Yield+ product?
A: XiteBio® Yield+ is a biological containing a species of live bacteria that is effective at unlocking soil phosphorus and improving plant resilience. It has been tested across multiple regions on multiple crops, like soybeans, canola, wheat and corn. 3rd party data has shown average yield gains between 3-9%, with all results available on our website.
XiteBio® Yield+ offers advanced compatibility and comes in a single bladder that requires no extra mixing.
Thanks for helping us to learn how to select an inoculant or biological Jeremy. Until next time this is Rick Clement wishing you healthier plants and better yields.