Biological Seed Treatments: A Comprehensive Guide for Farmers, Distributors & Retailers

Reviewing Farmer Input Strategies? Make Sure Biological Seed Treatments Are Included

The agricultural industry is continuously changing, seeking new ways to tackle challenges and enhance productivity and sustainability. One area of agriculture that has seen a boom in recent years is the use of beneficial microbes as biological seed treatments. These treatments, placed directly on the seed for early impact, harness the power of beneficial microbes to improve various aspects of plant growth throughout the plant’s lifecycle.

On this page, we will explore:

1. What are biological seed treatments?
2. What are the key benefits of biological seed treatments?
3. How are biological seed treatments applied?
4. What are the different types of biological seed treatments available?
5. Which seed treatment application method should a farmer choose?
6. What biological seed treatments does Locus AG offer?
7. Why does Locus AG focus on biological seed treatments?
8. Why should farmers choose Locus AG biologicals over others on the market?

What are Biological Seed Treatments?

A biological seed treatment is a process of applying beneficial microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi, to the surface of seeds before planting. This ensures that the seed is coated with beneficial microbes at the time of planting, increasing the chance of establishing a strong relationship between the seed and the biologicals. Biological seed treatments are used on a variety of crops, although are most prevalent in major U.S. row crops such as corn, soybean, cotton, peanut and wheat.

READ MORE: What are Agricultural Biologicals & Why Use Them

What are the Key Benefits of Biological Seed Treatments?

Perhaps the biggest benefit of applying biologicals to seeds prior to planting is ensuring the seed is appropriately coated with the beneficial microbes from their very beginning of their lifecycle. This promotes the early establishment of a symbiotic relationship between the seed and the beneficial microorganisms. It also enhances the seed’s potential for robust development over its life cycle.

The long-term benefits of biological seed treatments often include:

1. Improved Root Growth: Strong roots are the foundation of resilient plants. Biological seed treatments promote root growth by establishing a symbiotic relationship between the plant and beneficial microbes. These microbes help the plant extract nutrients and water from the soil more efficiently, resulting in a denser and more extensive root system.
2. Increased Nutrient Uptake: Enhanced nutrient uptake is another vital advantage of biological seed treatments. Beneficial microbes work in harmony with the plant, unlocking essential nutrients in the soil and making them more readily available to the plant. This increased nutrient uptake ensures that the crop receives the nourishment it needs for optimal growth.
3. Enhanced Plant Vigor: A robust and vigorous plant is better equipped for success. Biological seed treatments contribute to overall plant vitality, making crops less susceptible to common threats in the field.
4. Boosted Yields and ROI for Farmers: The goal of any farming practice is to increase yields and profitability. Biological seed treatments, when used effectively, have the potential to significantly boost crop yields. By improving root growth, nutrient uptake and plant vigor, farmers can realize a substantial return on investment, making these treatments a worthwhile addition to their farming arsenal.

What are the Different Biological Seed Treatment Formulations Available?

1. Liquid Biological Seed Treatments: Liquid biological seed treatment involves applying a liquid formulation of beneficial microbes to coat the seeds. This can be done through seed coating, seed soaking or seed spraying at various times throughout the seed processing cycle (upstream, downstream, and at the farm). The liquid formulations ensure uniform coverage and adherence to the seed surface.
2. Dry Biological Seed Treatments: Dry biological seed treatment involves applying a dry formulation of beneficial microbes to coat the seeds. This formulation offers practical advantages in convenience. These treatments are often a mix of beneficial microbes in a stable powdered or granular form that are mixed with familiar carriers (such as talc and graphite). They are easily stored and transported without the need for stringent temperature controls, ensuring viability over long periods. Their dry nature allows for easy application through various methods, such as seed coating or dusting prior to planting.

READ MORE: The Benefits of Combining Seed Lubricants & Biologicals

Which Seed Treatment Application Method Should a Farmer Choose?

Selecting the right seed treatment application method is a highly individualized decision. Most importantly, a farmer should choose a biological application method that considers their existing equipment and input application methods. It should align with current farming practices and overall input strategy to avoid the need for added equipment purchases and tedious extra steps.

The decision could also be influenced by the crop type, climate, and specific goals for the season.

Carefully evaluating these factors, and working with a trusted distributor, retailer, or biological expert, can help a farmer can make an informed choice that optimizes the benefits of biological seed treatments and contributes to their overall success as a farmer.

What Biological Seed Treatments does Locus Agriculture Offer?

Locus AG offers a robust line of crop-specific biological seed treatment products that can be applied at various steps in the seed processing cycle, depending on the farmer’s needs and current application methods.

For the major row crops, Locus AG currently offers Rhizolizer Duo Seed Treatments for Corn, Cotton and Soybean.

These products are available in three formulations and/or application methods:

1. Liquid Seed Treatment
2. Box Applied Seed Treatment with Lubricant
3. In-Furrow Seed Treatment

These three formulations can be applied at various stages of the seed processing cycle:

1. Upstream and Downstream (Liquid Seed Treatments): Locus AG’s liquid seed treatment biologicals can be applied early in the seed processing cycle, ensuring that the seeds arrive at the farm ready to be planted. To make this application easier for farmers, consider treating seeds at these stages:

• Upstream: Locus AG liquid seed treatment products can be applied upstream at seed companies or seed treatment facilities.
• Downstream: Locus AG liquid seed treatment products can be applied downstream in treaters at agriculture retailers.

2. On the Farm (Liquid, Box Applied and In-Furrow Seed Treatments): Locus AG offers multiple formulations that can be used at the farm-level to match an existing input application method for increased farmer ease-of-use.

• Liquid Seed Coating at the Farm (Liquid Seed Treatments): Locus AG liquid seed treatment products can be applied through most liquid seed treatment equipment on the farm.
• Dry Seed Coating at the Farm (Box Applied): Locus AG offers a dry seed coating application that can be performed directly at the farm. Locus AG’s box applied (BA) biologicals and inoculants are mixed with 80/20 talc and graphite as a seed lubricant. They are applied directly to the seeds in the hopper box.
• In-Furrow Application (Liquid In-Furrow): Locus AG’s in-furrow formulation allows farmers to spray liquid formulations of Locus AG’s beneficial microbes to the seed and soil at the time of planting. These in-furrow products are compatible to mix with most low salt / pop up fertilizers and in-furrow biostimulants. In-furrow application is a precise and effective method of delivering biological seed treatments.

READ MORE: Locus AG Biological Seed Treatments

Why Does Locus AG Focus on Biological Seed Treatments?

The Endophytic Advantage

One of the key reasons why Locus AG has focused so heavily on establishing a robust line of biological seed treatments for row crops is because of the endophytic nature of our beneficial microbes. The microbes enter the seed at the time of germination and begin providing benefits immediately and consistently throughout the entire plant cycle.

The endophytic nature of Locus AG’s microbes has been demonstrated through third-party, randomized and replicated trials. These trials confirm that Locus AG biologicals deliver consistent results across varying soil types and climates. This is because we use specific microorganisms that are less likely to be impacted by outside factors such as soil type or weather.

DOWNLOAD: Locus AG’S Data Catalog

Why Choose Locus AG’s Biological Seed Treatments Over Others in the Market?

Choosing Locus AG biologicals offers many advantages for seed companies, retailers and farmers seeking high-quality, reliable solutions.  While there are countless reasons to choose Locus AG, here are three powerful reasons farmers will find impactful:

1. American-Owned & Operated: Locus AG is an American-owned and operated company with a commitment to domestic production. The company manufactures its seed treatments in the United States, specifically from its cutting-edge facility in Solon, OH. This domestic production stands out in an industry where many competitors rely on strains and products imported from overseas. By offering USA-made products, Locus AG guarantees better control over the quality and handling of their biologicals, offering farmers a sense of security and reliability.
   READ MORE: 4 Reasons to Choose Biologicals Made in the USA
2. Fresh & Powerful Biological Products: The freshness of Locus AG’s products is a game-changer. While industry standards often feature multi-year shelf lives, these extended durations might compromise the efficacy of the products due to potential mishandling or degradation over time. Locus AG stands apart by manufacturing and swiftly shipping seed treatments within months, ensuring the delivery of fresher, more potent biologicals to seed companies, distributors, retailers and farmers. This freshness translates into live, active beneficial microbes ready to optimize farm performance, rather than risking diminished effectiveness due to uncertain storage conditions.
3. Independent, Professional Data: Locus AG doesn’t just claim effectiveness—we back it up with robust, independent research and data. The company conducts trials through respected research organizations, implementing randomized and replicated trials that demonstrate meaningful yield increases from the biologicals. This data gives farmers confidence in the performance and reliability of Locus AG’s biologicals.

The utilization of superior strains and the expertise of knowledgeable microbiologists and agronomists in their state-of-the-art labs distinguish Locus AG’s offerings. Farmers aren’t just receiving “bugs in a jug”; they’re getting high-quality, thoroughly formulated biologicals that have been rigorously tested and proven to deliver results.

Conclusion 

Biological seed treatments—specifically the vital options from Locus AG—are transforming the agricultural landscape by maximizing the potential of crops and improving farmers’ ROI. Locus AG’s innovative approach—encompassing upstream, downstream, and on-farm application methods—meets farmers where they are and provides an accessible means to leveraging biological seed treatments to improve crop yield. 

Ready to maximize results with biological seed treatments? Fill out the form to discuss with a Locus AG expert which application method fits your needs.