Bio-Gel® technology is a carbohydrate-based hydrogel designed to enhance agricultural productivity by improving soil water and nutrient retention. This innovative solution addresses key challenges in modern farming, including water scarcity and nutrient management. Bio-Gel absorbs and retains water, gradually releasing it to crops, reducing irrigation needs and improving overall water-use efficiency. In addition to water retention, Bio-Gel enhances nutrient retention by trapping essential nutrients, preventing their leaching from the soil, and supporting soil organic matter formation. This, in turn, promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms, improving soil structure, fertility, and nutrient cycling for long-term soil health.
In soybean trials, Bio-Gel applied in-furrow with grower standard fertilizers led to increases in nitrate nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels. Nitrate nitrogen rose by 14.5%, phosphorus by 29%, and potassium by 12%. The most statistically significant improvement was seen in phosphorus availability, demonstrating Bio-Gel’s effectiveness in enhancing nutrient mobility and availability for soybeans.
In Conclusion
The 2024 trials underscore Bio-Gel’s remarkable impact on crop productivity, particularly when applied in-furrow and as a side-dress with Urea Ammonium Nitrate (UAN) fertilizer. Bio-Gel significantly enhances nutrient retention and mobility in the soil, improving nitrate nitrogen availability by up to 44%, with a striking 77% increase observed at the Kansas site. Additionally, the in-furrow application of Bio-Gel increases sulfur retention by 35% and boosts soil organic carbon by 9%.
These results highlight Bio-Gel’s potential to optimize fertilizer use efficiency and improve soil health, particularly in corn production systems. For farmers seeking to maximize both nutrient retention and crop yields, Bio-Gel’s application with UAN represents a strategic approach to enhance fertilizer effectiveness and support long-term soil sustainability. By incorporating Bio-Gel into your nutrient management plan, you can significantly improve crop performance while fostering healthier soils for future growing seasons.