4 Agronomic Benefits of Biologicals for Potato Crops
Plus, yield results from field trials using the top biological products for potatoes
Potatoes are one of the world’s most consumed staple crops, finding their way into most meals across the globe. However, the journey from the potato field to plates comes with real agronomic hurdles.
Potato farmers face various obstacles, from fluctuating weather conditions to soil quality issues, which can significantly impact their crop yields and profitability.
In recent years, agricultural biologicals have emerged as a valuable tool for potato farmers seeking to overcome these challenges. These innovative products harness the power of beneficial microorganisms and natural biological processes to enhance crop performance. By working with the environment, high-quality agricultural biologicals offer a more resilient and profitable approach to farming.
But, what exactly are the benefits of using agricultural biologicals for potato crops?
This blog covers four agronomic benefits that certain biologicals deliver to potatoes, including:
- Increased nutrient uptake
- Enhanced plant vigor
- Expanded root growth
- Boosted yields & ROI
Plus, explore current on-farm results from three top biological products used by potato growers.
The Need for Biologicals in Potato Production
Potato production has been under increasing pressure in recent years. Global potato yields have plateaued in many regions, while production costs and climate-related stressors continue to rise. Potato growers report several recurring challenges:
- inconsistent emergence
- restricted rooting in compacted zones
- stress during tuber initiation
- late-season fill issues under heat or moisture swings
These factors directly limit yield potential and profitability. Biologicals, when formulated with the right strains, can help buffer against these pressure points by improving root-zone activity, enhancing nutrient uptake and supporting plant vigor throughout the season.
But not all biologicals are created equal. It’s critical to choose products with proven field results on potatoes. When the right strains are applied, growers can expect to see four core benefits that directly impact potato performance and ROI.
Top 4 Benefits of Biological Inputs on Potatoes
Below are four practical ways the right biologicals support potato production—from nutrient efficiency to yield and ROI.
#1: Increased Nutrient Uptake in Potato Plants
One of the primary benefits of agricultural biologicals for potato crops is their ability to mobilize and improve nutrient uptake. Nutrient uptake is crucial for plant growth and development, and when nutrients are more efficiently absorbed, it can lead to more vigorous plants and productive crops.
#2: Enhanced Potato Crop Vigor
Because of the increased nutrient uptake, agricultural biologicals also play a significant role in enhancing plant vigor. Vigorous plants are better equipped to thrive throughout the growing season amidst challenges, often because of expanded vegetative growth aboveground and root growth below ground.
#3: Expanded Root Growth in Potato Plants
Potato plants are root vegetables, and their “crop” is derived from edible tubers from the plant’s underground root system. Therefore, to enhance potato production, a key strategy is to promote and expand root growth. Therefore, one of the key benefits of biologicals for potato crops is their ability to stimulate root growth and rhizosphere activity, leading to improved nutrient uptake, and, in turn, yields.
#4: Boosted Potato Yields and ROI
Ultimately, the goal of every potato grower is to maximize yields. Certain field-proven biologicals drive increased yields and profitability for potato farm operations by increasing the overall productivity of potato crops through all of the abovementioned agronomic benefits.
Top Biological Options Potato Growers Are Using Today
These new biological products are formulated for ease-of-use and results
Potato growers today are looking for more than just inputs—they’re looking for solutions that help them tackle tough in-season challenges and deliver measurable returns.
Biologicals are stepping into that role in a big way; but it’s crucial to choose the right ones. The biological inputs that deliver real value are backed by proven field data, the right microbial strains and unique modes of action that target potato-specific challenges.
At Locus AG, three products are making the biggest impact in potatoes:
- Rhizolizer® Duo for Fruits & Vegetables: a microbial soil amendment, available in a wettable powder or liquid formulation, that combines Bacillus and Trichoderma strains to strengthen early roots, enhance nutrient uptake and improve stress tolerance.
- Unpac®: a soil-applied treatment using novel sophorolipid biosurfactants to reduce compaction, improve root penetration, and increase water infiltration and retention—helping roots reach deeper and perform even in tough soils.
Bombigro®: a fermentation-produced foliar treatment comprised of novel sophorolipids that boost photosynthesis and plant vigor when canopies are under stress.
Each of these biologicals is built on a different mode of action, but all are designed to support potato crops at critical growth stages. On their own, each product brings strong performance. But when used together in a program, they complement one another to unlock even greater gains in potato yield and ROI.
Recent Data Shows Increased Potato Yields
Third-party, replicated trials continue to show just how powerful the right biologicals can be for potato growers. Results from independent research in Whitewater, WI confirm that each of Locus AG’s biologicals delivers measurable yield gains on its own:
- Rhizolizer Duo WP for Fruits & Vegetables increased potato yields by 3,410.5 lbs/acre (+8.4%)
- Bombigro delivered 2,495.0 lbs/acre (+7.4%)
- Unpac added 3,258.2 lbs/acre (+6.6%)
When combined in a treatment program, these effect of these Locus AG products is amplified—pushing yield increases as high as 6,945.4 lbs/acre, a 17.7% boost compared to the grower’s practice.
Together, these biologicals target potato-specific challenges—from emergence and rooting to stress tolerance and late-season fill. These results show that using biologicals in a system—rather than as one-off inputs—can help potato growers maximize both yield and ROI while also building resilience against stress factors in-season.
Locus AG Biologicals – Made in the USA
Not only do Locus AG’s products deliver exceptional results, but they are also proudly made in the USA. Locus AG understands the importance of supporting local agriculture and ensuring the highest quality standards. Locus AG products are readily available for immediate shipment, allowing potato farmers to experience the benefits of agricultural biologicals without delay.
READ MORE: 4 Benefits of Choosing Biologicals Made in the USA
Transform Your Potato Plants for Stronger yields and Higher ROI
Want to learn how Locus AG vital biologicals can increase your yields and profits?
Locus AG biologicals aren’t just nice-to-haves; they are Simply Vital to farming success. Have questions or want to review fit by field and timing? Fill out the form below and one of our agricultural experts will be in touch.
