By Jamie Martin
A large third-party research project has shown that improving soil biology can deliver meaningful benefits for both soil health and crop nutrition. The study analyzed more than 1,000 soil samples collected from treated and untreated field areas under real farming conditions.
"Growers want products that prove themselves in the field, not just in a lab. What this independent data shows is exactly what growers who integrate Rhizol in their operations are experiencing. Rhizol helps keep nutrients where they belong, strengthens soil function, and supports better in-season crop performance. It's a practical tool that delivers real value across different soil types and management systems," said Zach Lancaster, Director of Field Agronomy & Grower Relations at ProGro BIO.
Results showed that soils treated with Rhizol retained more essential nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and micronutrients. Lower nutrient mobility means fewer nutrients are lost through leaching, runoff, and volatilization. This allows crops to access more nutrients throughout the growing season.
The research also found that treated soils recorded a statistically significant increase in humic matter. Higher humic matter levels improve soil structure, water holding capacity, and biological activity. These improvements help soils store more nitrogen and support stronger plant growth.
Plant tissue testing was also completed across multiple locations. Crops grown in treated fields showed higher nutrient concentrations in plant tissue. Improved nutrient uptake supports better early growth, stronger stands, and improved tolerance to stress conditions.
Improving nutrient use efficiency is especially important as fertilizer prices remain high and environmental rules continue to increase. By keeping nutrients in the root zone, growers can improve fertilizer performance while reducing nutrient losses into nearby water systems.
Healthier soils also improve long-term productivity and help farms remain consistent year after year. These improvements support stronger root development, better moisture retention, and more reliable crop growth.
"Farmers are being asked to do more with less—protect their soils, reduce nutrient loss, and still deliver strong yields. Rhizol's remarkable ability to provide a dual benefit – stronger agronomics and improved environmental stewardship – is increasingly important as growers balance productivity with compliance and sustainability objectives. These exciting, independent findings validate what growers have demonstrated time and again: when the soil performs better, the entire system performs better," said Blake Young, CEO of ProGro BIO.
The research confirms that improving soil biology is a practical and effective way to protect fertilizer investments, improve crop nutrition, and strengthen overall soil performance in modern farming systems.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dmytro-diedov
Categories: National