Growing Sweet Success: 3 Key Biological Benefits for Strawberry Crops

How Specific Microbes Help Strawberry Farmers Work Smarter, Not Harder

As U.S. strawberry farmers begin to lay tarp and prepare for the next growing season, many will soon make input and other growing decisions that will impact the year’s crops. While many challenges are outside of a grower’s control, such as changing government regulations, unpredictable weather patterns and rising input prices, there are some choices that can be made to set strawberry growers up for success.

The use of biologicals, made up of specific strains of beneficial microbes, is one of those choices. Strawberry farmers are making the decision to use agricultural biologicals on their farm because of the agronomic, environmental and financial benefits they bring throughout the season.

There are certain biologicals that bring the following 3 key benefits, from the soil to the roots to the strawberry crop:

1. Strengthen soil structure and combat soil compaction
2. Improve root growth and the uptake of other inputs
3. Enhance strawberry crop vigor and resilience

The ultimate result?

These vital biologicals are proven to increase strawberry fruit yield and quality.

Read on to find out how and see real-life results.

1. Certain biologicals strengthen soil structure and combat soil compaction

Farmers work tirelessly to do what’s right for their land and improve the quality of the soil that they farm. Yet, there are several factors out of farmers’ control that can disrupt soil and make it less hospitable to crops.

For strawberry growers, fluctuating moisture levels present a significant challenge for soil quality. Strawberry growers are commonly dealing with soil that is less able to properly filter and retain water, is prone to erosion, and is depleted of essential nutrients.

Overly saturated soil caused by flooding can reduce its ability to retain nutrients. Drought conditions cause soil to dry out and harden, making it difficult for roots to access water and other inputs. Compacted soil further exacerbates these issues by restricting root growth, limiting water infiltration and increasing erosion risk.

Dry soil is especially detrimental to strawberries. Strawberry crops require more water than many others and are also highly sensitive to salinity buildup. Frequent irrigation is often needed to prevent the accumulation of salt in the root zone. Strawberry growers must manage both water availability and soil permeability to maintain productive crops.

Certain biologicals are proven to improve soil structure and reduce soil compaction. These biologicals:

• Penetrate and break up compacted soils with no buildup
• Improve water movement and nutrient uptake
• Reduce erosion
• Increase access to nutrients in the soil
• Promotes root growth and crop productivity

2. Certain biologicals improve root growth and the uptake of other inputs

It is vital that strawberry farmers choose right agricultural inputs that will drive better crop performance. With skyrocketing fertilizer prices and ongoing disruptions to the supply chain, strawberry growers need to know that they are getting the most out of every dollar spent on inputs.

Certain biologicals can complement other inputs and enhance results. They are proven to increase root growth and enhance the availability and uptake of water and nutrients in the soil from previous and future applications.

Biologicals with endophytic and soil-dwelling microbes

Trials confirm that biologicals featuring a combination of both endophytic and soil-dwelling microbes provide premium benefits to strawberry crops. These biologicals promote early strawberry root growth and improve root mass. Stronger roots increase strawberry plant vigor, reduce transplant shock and promote faster establishment.

These dual beneficial microbes also enhance nutrient uptake, ensuring strawberries get essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Optimized nutrient availability leads to more productive strawberry crops.

3. Certain biologicals enhance strawberry crop vigor and resilience

Strawberry farmers try to account for every variable, but some factors are simply out of their control. Extreme drought, flooding, erosion, and other environmental conditions all negatively impact fruit marketability. With unpredictable weather patterns and extreme climate events on the rise, it’s more important than ever to find ways to increase plant vigor and resilience.

When formulated with the right microbial strains, agricultural biologicals are proven to support strawberry crop vigor. They help ensure strawberry crops can withstand the potential lack of resources in the future, such as nutrient or water deficiencies. The vital microbes in these biologicals also support the strawberries’ tolerance of abiotic stresses like drought, heat and salinity by improving water retention and nutrient efficiency.

In addition to making crops more resilient to environmental stressors, biologicals also help to stabilize and increase the quality of the soil in which they grow.

This results in larger berries, higher yields and improved sugar content (Brix levels), meaning better profits and ROI for strawberry farmers.

Choosing the Best Biologicals for Strawberry Crops

It’s no secret that biologicals can boost strawberry yields and ROI—but choosing the right ones is key. Locus AG has developed a proven biological treatment program designed specifically for strawberries, helping farmers maximize crop performance and profitability.

This two-product program includes Unpac^® and Rhizolizer^® Duo, which can be used separately or together for even greater benefits. Unpac improves soil structure and water movement, while Rhizolizer Duo enhances root development and nutrient uptake. Together, they create the ideal foundation for stronger, higher-yielding strawberry crops.

1. Improve Soil Quality & Break Up Compaction with Unpac^®

As discussed, one of the biggest challenges for strawberry growers is managing soil compaction, which can restrict root growth and water availability. Unpac^®, a biosurfactant-based soil amendment from Locus AG, is designed to naturally break up compacted soils and improve soil structure.

Using fermentation-derived biosurfactants, Unpac:

• Reduces soil compaction by improving water infiltration and aeration
• Allows roots to grow deeper for better access to nutrients and moisture
• Supports better soil fertility, water retention, and crop vigor

By addressing soil structure challenges, Unpac creates the ideal growing environment for strawberries, making it an excellent standalone solution or a powerful first step in a biological treatment program.

READ MORE: COMBAT SOIL COMPACTION WITH UNPAC

2. Strengthen Roots & Boost Nutrient Uptake with Rhizolizer^® Duo

To fully optimize plant productivity, strawberries need a strong root system and access to essential nutrients. That’s where Rhizolizer® Duo for Berries & Melons comes in.

This wettable powder biological is applied through existing irrigation systems—no additional equipment required.

Locus AG utilizes superior strains of endophytic and soil-dwelling microbes in the product that:

• Enhance root development for better plant establishment
• Increase nutrient uptake to fuel stronger growth
• Boost plant vigor and yield potential

Unlike many biologicals on the market, Rhizolizer Duo’s microbial strains form a symbiotic relationship with the strawberry crop, delivering both immediate and long-term benefits throughout the growing season. With data-backed performance, it consistently outperforms weaker, less effective microbial products.

Note: Strawberry growers looking for an organic option can use Rhizolizer Duo Organic Specialty Liquid, which includes the same vital strains and benefits.

More Berries, More Profit: Proven Strawberry Yield Increases

By unlocking greater access to nutrients, more robust root systems and increased plant vigor, it’s no surprising that Locus AG biologicals are delivering significant yield increases and boosting ROI in strawberries.

Strawberry farmers across the U.S. are incorporating Rhizolizer Duo and Unpac into their production practices and seeing the results firsthand.

Trials confirm:

• On its own, Rhizolizer Duo increases strawberry yields by an impressive 2,644.1 lbs/acre—an 8.3% increase.
• When combined with Unpac, the biological treatment program delivers even greater results: 3,433.7 lbs/acre—a 9.5% yield boost.

Strawberry CRO trial shows Grower’s Practice (left) and Locus AG Program (right). The use of Locus AG biologicals allows for increased nutrient uptake, which drives faster plant maturity, plant vigor and increased fruit production.

These numbers highlight what strawberry farmers are experiencing in their fields—better soil, more productive plants and higher yields. By improving both soil structure and plant vigor, Locus AG’s biological treatment program is setting a new standard for strawberry production.

Strawberry growers aren’t alone in facing the challenges that come with their line of business. Locus AG biologicals can help to manage and overcome these issues, while contributing to greater long-term agronomic, environmental and economic benefits.