b'CASSIDY MILLIONDIRECTOR OF AG SCIENCE, HELIAE AGRICULTURECMillion@heliae.comphycoterra.com3 Parts to Successful Spring Planting:Soil Microbial Food, Inoculants, and Seed TreatmentsDID YOU KNOWseed treatments have been around for overnuts, potatoes, and cover crop roots. These bacteria fix nitrogen 300 years? For centuries, growers experimented with seedfor plants to access in exchange for carbon. Inoculants can also treatments to protect seeds and promote growth. Today, sup- include biofertilizers or biopesticides. Biofertilizers promote porting seeds includes investing in seed treatments and inocu- growth by stimulating roots and increasing nutrient availability. lants, stacked with innovative technologies, like a superior soilBiopesticides kill pests or reduce pest food availability. Investing microbial food, to support germination, stand establishment,in biofertilizers or biopesticides reduces plant disease and/or and yield production.stress and increases yield. Seed Treatments Soil Microbial Food Traditional seed treatments protect seeds from pathogenicAdding a superior microbial food to your seed treatment diseases, insects, and pests, aiding in enhanced seedling emer- supports soil health and stimulates microbial activity in the gence and plant vigor. Today, many seed treatments includespermosphere where the seeds first interact with the soil. layers of chemicals, biological organisms, microbial food, and/ Innovative seed treatments that feed the seed and soil microbes or a nutrient material to support emergence, stand, and earlycreate an environment to support germination, stand estab-season benefits.lishment, vigor, and early crop development to maximize yield When seeds arent treated, pathogens, nematodes, andpotential. Growers realized the following yield increases when insects can stress plants and damage or kill seeds and seedlings,incorporating a carbon-rich microbial food application into their resulting in early season diseases, poor nutrient uptake, reducedseed treatment programs to feed both soil and seed microbes. stand establishment, and/or potential yield loss. Look for fast-acting seed treatments compatible with yourCrops Average Yield Increaseseed genetics and soil. Protect your seeds from known diseases and pests and provide them with nutrients they need. EssentialCotton +52 lbs/acreadditives, like seed and soil microbial food, easily incorporateCorn+10 bu/acrewith your current seed treatments. In general, seed treatmentsSoybeans +3.5 bu/acrecan help improve soil health, crop health, increase yield potential,Wheat +4.6 bu/acreand create better food quality. Seed treatments help growers save money and support*results owned by Heliae Agriculture/PhycoTerrasustainable agriculture practices by lowering pesticide use. Decreased usage of sprayed pesticides is good for protect- The utilization of a new, innovative seed treatment technology ing essential pollinators. Its also beneficial for growers helpingwill help give you the advantage over traditional seed treatments them to save money on product, labor, and diesel. Plus, activeand inoculants to help combat the increasing yield and quality microbes help your fertilizer applications go further.needs. Food demand is predicted to increase 70% to 100% by 2050. Farmers need solutions to make the most of every seed Inoculants with seed treatments, inoculants, and soil microbial food. Some crops need seed treatments, some need inoculants, andLearn how to maximize your winter wheat or cover crop some need both. Inoculants can include rhizobia and bradyplanting by watching our latest webinaron-demand. rhizobium bacteria known for supporting soybeans, cotton, pea-26/ SEEDWORLD.COMFEBRUARY 2023'