Bio-Gel® Corn Trial Results: Performance in Greenbush and Osco Silt Loam Soils
Soil Type and Fertility System Matter
Trial Objective
This field trial was designed to evaluate the early-season agronomic impact of Bio-Gel, a biopolymer fertilizer coating, on corn grown in two different silt loam soils in the Upper Midwest:
- Greenbush Silt Loam: High organic matter, well-drained, conventional fertility program
- Osco Silt Loam: Moderately well-drained, organic fertility system, sensitive to salinity and moisture variation
The focus was on Bio-Gel’s effects on soil moisture, salt buffering, nitrogen uptake, and early vegetative growth under varying fertility practices.
Key Takeaways: Optimizing Bio-Gel Use by Soil Type
- Bio-Gel performs best in well-drained soils with active nutrient cycling, especially in conventional programs where its benefits are quickly realized.
- In organic systems, Bio-Gel still contributes to improved soil structure and early resilience, though visible plant growth benefits may take longer to appear.
The trial confirmed that Bio-Gel enhances corn performance, particularly in systems where faster nutrient release is possible.
Key Benefits in Greenbush Silt Loam (Conventional)
- Strong early-season performance
- Higher chlorophyll and nitrogen content
- Improved salt regulation
- Greater microbial activity and nutrient uptake
More Subtle Effects in Osco Silt Loam (Organic)
- Stable salt and moisture profiles
- Early nitrogen uptake was limited
- Potential for long-term soil health benefits as the season progresses
Looking Ahead:
Ongoing monitoring will help determine how early-season gains impact final yield and stress tolerance—further emphasizing the value of matching biological inputs to specific soil environments for optimal performance.
Trial Details:
Bio-Gel® Corn Trial Results: Performance in Greenbush and Osco Silt Loam Soils
Location: Upper Midwest
Soil Types: Greenbush Silt Loam & Osco Silt Loam
Crop: Corn
Input: Bio-Gel® Biopolymer Fertilizer Coating
Bio-Gel Performance in Greenbush Silt Loam (Conventional System)
Soil Temperature and Nutrient Activation
- +6% increase in soil temperature
Suggests enhanced microbial activity and faster nutrient mineralization.
Nutrient Uptake & Salt Buffering
- -7% reduction in Salt Index
Indicates improved osmotic balance and reduced salt stress in the root zone. - +2% increase in leaf nitrogen and chlorophyll content
Demonstrates improved nitrogen uptake and photosynthetic efficiency.
Soil Moisture Dynamics
- -10% decrease in soil moisture
Likely due to higher plant transpiration rates driven by more vigorous early growth.
Bio-Gel Performance in Osco Silt Loam (Organic System)
Mild Microbial Stimulation
- +2% increase in soil temperature
Indicates limited but positive stimulation in lower-input systems.
Stable Salt Index
- +0.3% change
Reflects Bio-Gel’s buffering effect even in low-salt, organically managed soils.
Moisture Retention Benefits
- +0.3% increase in soil moisture
Suggests slight water-holding benefit from Bio-Gel’s polymer matrix.
Lower Nitrogen Availability
- -6% SPAD (chlorophyll) and -7% leaf nitrogen
May reflect slower nitrogen mineralization typical of organic fertility programs.
