Can Broad-Spectrum Biology Help Reduce Fertilizer Input Costs?
For cereal crop producers, fertilizer efficiency is always top of mind—especially for nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Both nutrients are essential, yet a large share of what’s applied never reaches the plant.
The Fertilizer Efficiency Problem
- Nitrogen (N): Cereal crops recover about 50% of applied N. Losses occur via ammonia volatilization, nitrous oxide emissions, nitrate leaching, and poor timing vs. crop demand.
- Phosphorus (P): Only 20–30% of applied P is typically taken up—even under good conditions.
With fertilizer prices high and efficiency low, many growers ask: Can biology improve fertilizer efficiency and lower costs without sacrificing yield?
A Wheat Trial in Canada
This trial compared standard fertilizer practices with LiquiLife® broad-spectrum biology.
| Treatment | Program | Placement | Cost (CAD/ac) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% Standard (ST) | Urea 120 lbs/ac + MAP 50 lbs/ac | In-furrow | $98 |
| 100% ST + 100% LiquiLife® (LL) | ST + LL 4 gal/ac | In-furrow | $126 |
| 70% ST + 100% LiquiLife® (LL) | 30% fertilizer reduction + LL 4 gal/ac (in-furrow) + 2.5 gal/ac (foliar) | In-furrow & foliar | $111 |
Note: All dollar values are in Canadian dollars (CAD).
Key Findings
- No yield decreases with a 30% fertilizer reduction when LiquiLife® was used.
- The 70% ST + LL program reduced fertilizer cost by $29/ac compared to 100% ST.
- Broad-spectrum biology supported consistent nutrient availability, helping maintain performance with lower synthetic input.
Why This Matters
- Lower input costs: Cut fertilizer rates without sacrificing yield.
- Improved nutrient use efficiency: Biology helps crops access and retain nutrients.
- Program upside: Efficiency gains may support nitrogen or carbon credit opportunities.
References
- Haile, D., Nigussie, D., & Ayana, A. (2012). Nitrogen use efficiency of bread wheat: Effects of nitrogen rate and time of application. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 12(3), 389–410.
- Jamal, Z., & Chaudhary, M. F. (2007). Effects of soil and foliar application of different concentrations of NPK... Pakistan Journal of Plant Sciences, 13(2).
- Dobermann, A. R. (2005). Nitrogen use efficiency—state of the art.