Biological Digestion of Crop Residue

The biological digestion of crop residue can help farmers in several important ways, BIOACTIVE LiquiLife™ this fall can be the first step to help ensure success next season.

There is approximately 7,500 lbs. of stover left behind in a modest 155 bushels per acre corn field.

Locked up within that stover:

45 pounds of N

15 pounds of P2O5

92 pounds of K2O

6 pounds of S

18 pounds of Ca

18 pounds of Mg

These inputs, already paid for, become available through the biological process of mineral cycling. Unlike the loss that can occur with a fall application of other inputs, a fall application of BIOACTIVE LiquiLife™ first unlocks, and then immobilizes these minerals; moving them steps closer to the plant available next season.
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Yield Decline Associated with Inconsistent Germination.

A fall application of BIOACTIVE LiquiLife™ can ensure a more even stand which means greater yield. Partial decomposition of the residue in the fall means “crumbles” instead of “hairpins” under the planter coulter. A more uniform emergence is achieved when larger pieces are not there to shade pockets of soil, preventing warming, or inhibiting uniform planting depth.

Data suggests:

A 3-day lag in germination can lead to yield reductions of 16% or more in later germinating plants.

A 6-day lag and the yield reduction can be in the 24% range. (Study data showed 230 BPA in plants that emerged first reduced to 174 BPA in those plants with a six-day delay.)

Bio-Sanitation

Undigested corn residue serves as an ideal place for pathogens to survive over the winter. The best defense against fungal diseases is a strong, beneficial microbial community that can outcompete the fungal pathogens. A fall application of BIOACTIVE LiquiLife™ reduces undigested residue and therefore reduces locations for pathogens to overwinter.

Organic Material vs. Organic Matter

Crop residue is an organic material, but your soil needs organic matter-organic carbon. Cellulose is one of the most resistant of all plant tissues, adding beneficial microbes that digest cellulose can synthesize the residue into enzymes and organic matter.

Advantages of a broad spectrum biological is that you accomplish all four:

1. Textural Change makes next season's planting easier. With less resistance planting equipment can achieve a more uniform seed depth, leading to a more uniform emergence and consequently increased yields.
2. Cycle fertility from the residue to next year's crop, achieving fertility efficiency and increased yields.
3. Build soil carbon. Green-brow-black and/or the 4 steps to building soil carbon (Photosynthesis, Resynthesis, Exudation, and Humification). It takes both fungi and bacteria for the cycle to be complete. Improves systems.
4. Bio-sanitation is the disease suppression benefitting from diverse biology provides. A residue pass can help mitigate the detrimental effects of pathogens that can overwinter in the crop residue. Resilience leads to yield.

Looking for more information? Contact us.

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