Dakota Bio The Biological Company

In modern agriculture, innovative solutions are essential to meet the growing demands for sustainable and efficient crop production. One such groundbreaking product is PheNom, a biological treatment from Dakota Bio that enhances nitrogen availability and phosphorus efficiency in plants. PheNom uses endophyte bacteria to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants, ensuring continuous nutrient supply throughout the growing season. This comprehensive guide will explore the science, benefits, application methods, and real-world results of using PheNom in various crops.

The Science Behind PheNom

Endophyte Bacteria and Nitrogen Fixation

PheNom consists of two types of endophyte bacteria that live inside the plant rather than in the soil. These bacteria enter the plant through stomata—the openings on leaves, stems, and roots that allow plants to breathe.

  • Nitrogen Conversion: Once inside, one type of bacteria pulls nitrogen (N2) from the air and converts it into ammonium (NH4), a form that plants can readily use. This process significantly boosts the plant’s nitrogen availability, feeding the crop throughout its growth cycle.
  • Phosphorus Efficiency: The second type of bacteria resides in the roots, enhancing the plant’s ability to process and metabolize phosphorus more efficiently. This dual-action approach ensures that plants have access to both nitrogen and phosphorus, essential for robust growth and high yields.

Key Benefits of PheNom

  1. Increased Nitrogen Availability

PheNom’s primary benefit is its ability to provide plants with a continuous supply of nitrogen.

  • All-Season Feeding: Unlike traditional fertilizers that may require multiple applications, PheNom ensures that nitrogen is available throughout the growing season. This consistent nutrient supply supports steady plant growth and development.
  • Environmental Impact: By utilizing atmospheric nitrogen, PheNom reduces the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which can have harmful environmental impacts. This makes PheNom a more sustainable option for farmers looking to minimize their ecological footprint.
  1. Enhanced Phosphorus Metabolism

Efficient phosphorus use is crucial for plant health and productivity.

  • Root Efficiency: The bacteria in PheNom enhance the plant’s root system’s ability to metabolize phosphorus, ensuring that this essential nutrient is readily available for critical growth stages.
  • Improved Yield: With better access to phosphorus, plants can achieve higher yields and better overall health, contributing to a more successful harvest.
  1. Broad Applicability

PheNom is versatile and can be used on a wide range of crops.

  • Corn and Soybeans: Field trials have shown significant yield improvements in both corn and soybeans, with an average increase of 8.2 bushels per acre (bpa) for corn and 2.7 bpa for soybeans.
  • Other Crops: PheNom can also be used on other crops, providing similar benefits of enhanced nitrogen and phosphorus availability.

Application Guidelines

Formulations and Methods

PheNom is available in different formulations to suit various application methods.

  • Foliar Application: When applied as a foliar spray, PheNom quickly enters the plant through the stomata. This method is effective for getting the bacteria into the plant’s system rapidly.
  • In-Furrow Application: PheNom can also be applied in-furrow at planting, ensuring that the bacteria are present in the root zone from the beginning.
  • Seed Treatment: PheNom ST is a seed treatment formulation that provides early access to the beneficial bacteria, giving seedlings a strong start.

Timing and Compatibility

For optimal results, PheNom should be applied at specific growth stages.

  • Early Application: Applying PheNom early in the growing season ensures that the bacteria are present before major growth phases begin, providing continuous nutrient support.
  • Compatibility: PheNom is compatible with other agricultural inputs, including herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers. This allows for seamless integration into existing crop management practices.

Real-World Results

Yield Improvements

Farmers using PheNom have reported impressive yield increases.

  • Corn: Field trials and farmer reports indicate an average yield increase of 8.2 bpa, significantly boosting productivity and profitability.
  • Soybeans: In soybeans, the average yield increase is 2.7 bpa, providing a valuable boost in a crop that often has narrower profit margins.

Case Studies

  • Midwest Corn Farmer: A farmer in the Midwest reported that PheNom helped his corn crop achieve higher yields despite challenging weather conditions. The continuous nitrogen supply was crucial for maintaining plant health during a dry spell.
  • Southern Soybean Farmer: Another farmer in the South saw improved phosphorus efficiency and higher soybean yields after using PheNom. The enhanced nutrient availability helped the plants thrive even under pest pressure.

Additional Resources

Technical Sheets and Specimen Labels

For those seeking detailed information on PheNom, Dakota Bio provides several resources.

  • PheNom Tech Sheet: This document offers a comprehensive overview of the science behind PheNom, including detailed information on its formulation and benefits.
  • PheNom Specimen Label: The specimen label provides essential information on application rates, safety precautions, and compatibility with other products.

Webinars and Further Information

Dakota Bio regularly hosts webinars to educate farmers on the benefits and best practices for using PheNom.

  • Webinars: These sessions provide valuable insights from experts and allow farmers to ask questions and share their experiences.

Contact Information

For more details or to purchase PheNom, Dakota Bio can be reached through multiple channels.

How to Buy

Dakota Bio’s online store is coming soon. For now, contact them directly for purchases.

Conclusion

PheNom represents a significant advancement in agricultural biotechnology, offering farmers a powerful tool to enhance crop resilience and productivity. By leveraging the natural processes of endophyte bacteria, PheNom provides a continuous supply of nitrogen and improves phosphorus efficiency, leading to higher yields and better overall plant health. Whether you’re growing corn, soybeans, or other crops, incorporating PheNom into your crop management practices can lead to more sustainable and profitable farming operations.

For more detailed information and to explore how PheNom can benefit your farm, visit the PheNom product page.