New Tools Help Growers Navigate Rising NPK Input Prices: Soil Technology Expansions and Customized Treatments from Locus AG

Advancements to Rhizolizer and Pantego soil technologies provide tailored programs for row crops with more flexibility, lower input needs, higher performance and greater cost savings 

SOLON, Ohio (October 13, 2021) To help growers address the rising costs of phosphorous, nitrogen and other synthetic inputs, Locus Agricultural Solutions^® (Locus AG) is expanding its lineup of microbial soil amendments—or soil probiotic technologies—that optimize nutrient utilization, water use efficiency and crop performance. The agtech company introduced four new dry formulations of its award-winning Rhizolizer^® and Pantego^® solutions, featuring strategically selected strains that target specific crops. The customized approach unlocks nutrients already present in the soil and helps growers across a broader range of growing conditions cut costs and boost yields.

The new soil technologies utilize the unique mechanisms of action of the current Rhizolizer Duo and Pantego formulations, which have been globally recognized by agriculture experts for unmatched benefits ranging from superior nitrogen use efficiency and supercharged carbon sequestration to better phosphorus solubilization. Growers profit from multi-dollar input savings per acre, new revenue streams through the CarbonNOW^® program and substantially higher returns on investment (ROI).

“We know every penny counts for growers, which is why we are constantly evolving our solutions to make sure they have access to the best technology with the highest value,” said Chad Pawlak, CEO of Locus AG. “The soil technology expansions help solve key agronomic, economic and environmental challenges, including alleviating the rising cost of crop fertility plans—which are 72% more expensive now than last year.” 

Application Flexibility 
The soil technology expansion includes dry powder formulations of the liquid Rhizolizer Duo and Pantego, applied via hopper box with up to a year’s shelf life. The BA formulations cover a broad range of geographic growing regions, irrigation methods and climactic conditions—driving a new wave of adoption on U.S. row crops:

• Rhizolizer Duo BA, optimized for use in corn and sorghum
• Pantego BA, optimized for use in cereal crops and cooler soil temperatures

Customized Treatments and Programs
Locus AG soil technologies utilize proprietary microorganisms strategically selected based on high field viability and their beneficial biological activities related to specific crop types. The Rhizolizer and Pantego line expansion includes two new microbial blends that can be used as part of an integrated program tailored to each grower:

• Rhizolizer Prime BA, a blend of three active microbial strains optimized for soybeans
• Pantego Thrive BA, a blend of two active microbial strains optimized for corn

“Our new customized treatment programs advance field performance and expand grower access to revenue-boosting solutions that save them money,” Pawlak said. “Unlike other soil treatments, our specialized microbial strains produce unique biosurfactants, enzymes and metabolites that work synergistically to supercharge their impact on soil health, root health, nutrient uptake and crop productivity.”

Rhizolizer Duo BA (corn), Pantego Thrive BA (corn), Rhizolizer Prime BA (soybeans) and Pantego BA (cereal crops) are commercially available now across the U.S., with special incentive programs being offered through the next month. To find out more about using a customized microbial soil technology treatment program, visit LocusAG.com/contact to be put in touch with a team expert.