19 March 2025
We’re back with another edition of Reading the Fields!
As we prepare for another planting season, it’s important to focus on the foundation of healthy crops: seed treating and in-furrow starter programs. These two practices are crucial for promoting strong root development and overall plant resilience, setting the stage for higher yields and better profitability. I’ve seen firsthand how impactful these strategies can be, and I’m excited to share how they can benefit your crops this season.
To ensure strong, healthy plant growth, it’s essential to start with proper seed treatment and the right starter fertilizers. These strategies help your plants get the best possible start by promoting rapid root development, boosting soil health, and enhancing overall plant resilience. By establishing a strong foundation early on, you’re setting the stage for long-term vitality and productivity. Beyond plant health, these practices also benefit human health by enhancing the nutritional value, reducing reliance on harmful chemicals, and creating a safer growing environment. Additionally, they increase profitability for growers by making plants and soil more resilient to seasonal stresses, ultimately lowering input costs while improving crop quality and yield over time.
Importance of A Seed Treatment
The first few days of a seedling’s life are critical. During this time, providing optimal conditions—such as healthy soil and the right balance of micronutrients—helps promote healthy root growth, better germination, and more resilient plants. Seed treatments ensure plants have everything they need from the start, ultimately leading to higher yields.
When a seed begins germinating—the process where a dormant seed starts to sprout and grow—it absorbs water (imbibition), kickstarting metabolic processes—essential chemical reactions that trigger growth, energy production, and nutrient absorption. These processes enable the seedling to develop into a functioning plant, leading to root and shoot development. The root (or radicle) anchors the plant and absorbs nutrients from the soil, while the shoot pushes upward, preparing the plant for photosynthesis—a vital process that allows the plant to convert sunlight into the energy needed for growth and development.
Seed treatments are an affordable and highly effective way to promote faster growth by supplying essential nutrients like manganese (Mn), referred to as the “element of life.” These nutrients help jump-start root development and overall plant health. It’s also important to note that preserving beneficial microbes in the soil, such as the endosphere (microbes that live within the roots), is essential. These microbes aid early root development, making the plant more efficient in absorbing nutrients and water.
Enhancing Root Health with Mycorrhizae and other beneficial Fungi
In addition to standard seed treatments, incorporating the power of mycorrhizae and other beneficial fungi—essential for plants to absorb and utilize critical micronutrients—can elevate your plant’s growth program. These fungi extend the surface area of roots, improving nutrient and water absorption. By enhancing the root system, these fungi contribute to healthier plants with better growth and higher yields.
Micronutrients such as zinc (Zn), and boron (B) are also critical during this early growth stage. They catalyze metabolic processes that promote root development and boost energy production, helping the plant withstand early stressors like drought, poor soil quality, or pests.
It’s crucial to protect these beneficial microbes from harsh chemicals like fungicides and pesticides, which can destroy them and limit the plant’s growth potential, and will not benefit from mycorrhizae and other beneficial fungi. Seed treatments that preserve these natural microbes will help your plant develop stronger, healthier roots.
Choosing the Right Seed Treatment Application
Seed treatments come in two primary forms liquid and dry and each method offers distinct advantages, depending on specific growing needs and preferences.
Liquid Treatments
Liquid seed treatments are easy to apply, especially when treating large quantities of seeds, they can be delivered directly to the seed surface using seed treaters or sprayers. The nutrients and beneficial microbes are absorbed quickly and evenly, ensuring even coverage. Liquid treatments are customizable, making them a versatile choice for addressing specific soil or environmental conditions.
Key Liquid Products for Seed Treatment:
AgriGro Ultra supports root development and plant growth by enhancing photosynthesis and nutrient uptake.
Triple Ten™ is a powerful combination of essential micronutrients, amino acids, and vitamins that improve soil health and plant vitality.
Phos-Life™ promotes root growth and overall plant health, a phosphorus-rich product, that enhances energy production.
Dry Treatments
Dry seed treatments involve coating seeds with powdered nutrients or biological agents. This method is more cost-effective and is a good choice for organic farming.
Key Dry Products for Seed Treatment:
NTS Life Force Super Active™ combines calcium and phosphorus to support plant health and high productivity.
NTS Tri-Kelp™ a mix of kelp species that enhances water retention and overall plant growth.
Additionally, AGTIV products, available in both dry and liquid forms, use natural ingredients, these products work synergistically with your seed treatment to enhance plant resilience, promote root development, improve soil health, and increase nutrient availability, ultimately strengthening plants for better growth and productivity.
The Importance of Starter Fertilizers
Starter fertilizers provide essential nutrients at the beginning of a plant’s growth, boosting early development and improving soil health, especially when soil nutrients may be limited. Applied at planting time, these fertilizers help establish strong roots and promote early vegetative growth, ensuring a fast start for your plants. The key nutrients in starter fertilizers that plants need include Phosphorus (P), which is critical for energy production and promoting strong root development, enabling better access to water and other essential nutrients. Calcium (Ca) improves cell wall strength and stability, contributing to better root structure and plant resilience. Potassium (K) plays a vital role in water regulation, enzyme activation, and overall plant stress tolerance. Starter fertilizers rich in phosphorus, calcium, and potassium ensure that plants develop a robust root system, setting the stage for healthy, sustained growth.
Choosing the Right Starter Fertilizer
When selecting a starter fertilizer, consider the following factors.
1. In-Furrow vs. Side-by-Side Application
In-furrow application places nutrients directly in the seedling area, while side-by-side application provides more control, particularly when using fertilizers with higher sodium (Na) content, which can potentially harm seedlings if over-applied.
2. Soil Type and Conditions
Soil tests are essential for selecting the right fertilizer based on your soil’s unique needs. While some soils may require additional phosphorus (P), others might benefit from extra micronutrients. Low organic matter, in particular, should be addressed as it significantly impacts the soil’s ability to retain nutrients and moisture. Unlike other amendments, organic matter can’t just be added all at once—it needs to be built up over time to improve soil structure and support healthy microbial life.
3. Fertilizer Formulation
Liquid fertilizers, such as AgriGro Ultra and TrueBlend™ Starter, are absorbed quickly, providing immediate benefits, while solid fertilizers like Triple Ten™ offer sustained nutrient availability over time.
Benefits of Starter Fertilizers
Promote Strong Root Development - Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in starter fertilizers help plants develop healthy roots, making it easier to access water and nutrients.
Improve Nutrient Uptake - Starter fertilizers increase the availability of essential nutrients, ensuring that your plants have everything they need to thrive.
Boost Stress Resistance - Plants that are well-nourished from the start are better able to handle stress, whether from drought, pests, or diseases.
Support Early Growth - By providing nutrients early, starter fertilizers promote faster seedling establishment, leading to earlier flowering, better fruiting, and higher yields.
While fertilizers are essential for plant growth, be cautious with synthetic chemicals, especially fungicides and pesticides, which can harm beneficial soil microbes. These chemicals may limit the effectiveness of your starter fertilizers, as they can damage microbial communities essential for healthy soil and plant growth. It’s important to remember that the health of soil microbes builds over time, and disrupting these beneficial organisms can hinder long-term soil vitality. Always choose products that support natural microbial life, such as TrueBlend™ Starter, to promote the gradual buildup of a strong, healthy soil ecosystem that sustains plant growth and resilience for the future.
When and How to Apply Starter Fertilizers
Starter fertilizers are usually applied at planting time or just before planting, ensuring the nutrients are available when the plant begins to germinate. The method of application should be based on soil conditions and crop needs.
Key Products for Starter Fertilization
TrueBlend™ Starter nourishes soil microbes, aids early-season stress resilience, improves germination, boosts nutrient uptake, and promotes strong root growth for a solid start.
AgriGro Ultra enhances seedling vitality and nutrient uptake, supporting root development and overall plant growth.
Triple Ten™ is a balanced fertilizer that promotes root development and improves soil health.
Phos-Life™ a phosphorus-rich product that ensures strong root growth and enhances photosynthesis.
SeaPack™ is a unique hydrolysate that contains chitin to inhibit fungal growth, support plant defence, and enhance nutrient uptake with 3% Fulvic Acid and 1.8% Calcium.
Non-GMO Molasses from sugar cane improves soil health by feeding beneficial microbes, enhancing nutrient availability, and promoting stronger plant growth.
Organic Molasses provides all the benefits of regular molasses with the added assurance of organic certification, boosting soil vitality and nutrient uptake while reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
TrueHume™ 80P is a soluble powder that enhances soil health and nutrient uptake, promoting stronger roots and improved water retention.
TrueHume™ 80G in granule form, improves soil health and nutrient uptake while promoting stronger roots and better water retention.
Supporting Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerative agriculture focuses on rebuilding healthy soil ecosystems through practices that restore soil vitality, enhance biodiversity, and reduce dependency on synthetic inputs integrating seed treatments and starter fertilizers complements regenerative practices by reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, improving soil health, and enhancing the soil microbiome.
Human Health Benefits
Beyond improving plant health and boosting yields, using regenerative seed treatments and starter fertilizers from natural sources contribute to human health by enhancing the nutritional value of the food we eat. Plants that receive the right nutrients from the beginning are more likely to produce higher-quality, nutrient-dense crops. Essential micronutrients, such as manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and boron (B), play critical roles in the synthesis of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are important for human health. By promoting stronger, more resilient plants, these natural treatments ensure a healthier food supply, supporting better nutrition for consumers. Moreover, reducing the need for harmful pesticides and chemicals in the growing process leads to safer, higher quality food, making these practices beneficial not just for growers but also for communities and public health.
Enhance Yields and Profitability
Increasing plant resilience through regenerative seed treatments and starter fertilizers from natural sources can help growers reduce crop losses and improve yields by enabling plants to withstand seasonal stresses like extreme weather, pests, and soil imbalances. This resilience reduces the need for pesticides, cutting costs and benefiting the environment. Over time, these practices boost profitability by lowering input costs and enhancing crop quality. Additionally, as demand for sustainably grown produce rises, growers who adopt these strategies can improve marketability and command higher prices for their products.
In conclusion, getting a strong start with seed treatments and starter fertilizers that prioritize soil and plant health is essential for fostering sustainable growth. By enhancing soil vitality and supporting early root development, these treatments ensure plants are better equipped to thrive, withstand environmental stresses, and efficiently absorb nutrients. This foundational approach may lead to stronger crops and potentially higher yields while reducing the need for harmful chemicals, promoting a safer, healthier, and more eco-friendly farming environment. Ultimately, prioritizing soil, plant, and human health through these methods sets the stage for long-term sustainability and improved profitability.
Best,
Dave de Vries
President of Agriculture Solutions Inc.
