Interest in biological crop inputs continues to grow

Glacier FarmMedia—It was only a few years ago that interest in alternative methods such as biologicals to boost a crop’s nutrient uptake seemed to spike in popularity.

But according to Spencer Harris, senior vice-president of global ag retail for Nutrien Ag Solutions, biologicals are not all that new for Nutrien — the global ag retailer has been researching biological crop inputs for nearly two decades.

“We’ve invested over a billion dollars in research and development of biologicals and bio-stimulants … and we’re excited about how biologicals have really increased over the last couple of years,” says Harris.

He says there is consistent interest outside of North America for these products, and no particular geography is benefiting.

“We’re seeing these products being used around the globe … on specialty crops, corn, soybeans in the United States and having terrific results,” says Harris.

He predicts the market for biological crop inputs will grow to $11 billion by 2030, up from his current estimate of about $4.5 billion.

So far the company has focused its market development for biologicals on major oilseed crops such as canola and soybeans, and major cereal crops such as corn, wheat, barley and oats.

For example, Nutrien’s biologicals are being trialled in 1,500 locations in North America and 350 locations in Australia across all scenarios.

It’s a solid uptake in interest that Harris takes note of.

“I think growers are looking for solutions, and they want maybe safer solutions, and ones that are more naturally occurring,” says Harris.

“So biologicals have really taken off on that front, and so the past four or five years we’ve seen the uptake really increase.”

It’s fair to say that challenges that existed for growers 20 years ago have become more pronounced, particularly when it comes to dry conditions on the Prairies.

Harris said Nutrien has a new biological product to address this issue.

“We’re launching a product called Terramar to help mitigate abiotic stress by slowing down the respiration of the plant,” says Harris.

According to the company’s website, the product enhances microbial activity in the soil around a plant’s roots to better withstand stressful conditions. It is currently pending registration in Canada and will be available for sale in 2026.

With all the talk of alternative production methods, it can be challenging for farmers to adopt new practices on their farm.

Harris sees this as a changing dynamic.

“Growers are just looking for new solutions,” he says.

“When you talk about soil health and the stress that plants are under, either from drought or too much water, we have the products that really help plants with stress. What we’re trying to do is maximize the return on investment for those growers,” Harris says.

“In some cases, that’s a biological alone. In other cases, that’s using a biological in conjunction with a synthetic to get that real synergistic approach.”