Biostimulants in Broadacre Agriculture
While biostimulants have been widely adopted in high-value crops like grapes and tree fruits, their use in field crops like corn and soybeans is growing rapidly. The economics are different — margins are tighter per acre — but the scale of application means that even modest per-acre yield improvements translate to meaningful returns across a large operation.
Corn Application Protocol
For corn, the critical windows for biostimulant application align with the crop's major growth transitions:
- V4–V6 (Early vegetative): This is when the root system is establishing and the plant is transitioning from seed reserves to soil nutrient uptake. Biostimulant application at this stage supports root development during this critical transition.
- V10–V12 (Late vegetative): Ear size determination is occurring. Enhanced nutrient uptake supports kernel row number and ear length potential.
- VT/R1 (Tasseling/Silking): The period of maximum nutrient demand. Supporting the plant through this stress-sensitive window can improve kernel set and fill.
Soybean Application Protocol
Soybeans present a unique opportunity for biostimulants because of their symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing Rhizobium bacteria:
- V3–V4 (Early vegetative): Supporting root development enhances nodulation and early nitrogen fixation.
- R1–R2 (Early flowering): Pod set is being determined. Improved plant health during flowering reduces flower and pod abortion.
- R3–R4 (Pod development): Nutrient demand peaks as pods fill. Enhanced uptake supports seed size and weight.
Application Methods for Field Crops
For broadacre application, GrowMás can be applied through:
- Foliar spray: Using standard boom sprayers at recommended water volumes. This is the most common method and allows easy integration with existing fungicide or herbicide passes (check compatibility).
- Fertigation: For irrigated acres, GrowMás can be applied through drip or pivot irrigation systems.
What to Expect
Field crop responses to biostimulant application are generally more moderate than in high-value crops, but they are consistent and economically meaningful at scale. Growers typically report:
- Improved plant vigor and standability
- Better stress recovery after drought or heat events
- Modest but consistent yield improvements (5–15% depending on conditions)
- Improved grain quality metrics (test weight, protein)
The ROI Calculation
At current corn prices around $5.50/bushel and soybean prices around $13/bushel, even a conservative 5% yield improvement on a 200 bu/ac corn crop (10 bu/ac increase = $55/ac) or a 50 bu/ac soybean crop (2.5 bu/ac increase = $32.50/ac) provides a strong return on the cost of biostimulant treatment.
Download the corn or soybean application protocol for detailed rate and timing recommendations, or use the dosage calculator to plan your application.