Agrovista is introducing a new co-formulated biostimulant this spring to help ensure microbial soil populations favour profitable crops rather than harmful weeds.
SeaBoost combines the powerful soil-conditioning effects of Sea2Soil and L-CBF TerraFed from Agrovista’s Innovation Range, offering farmers the ultimate soil biostimulant in one package, says head of soil health Chris Martin.
“Fish hydrolysate in Sea2Soil provides amino acids, trace elements, and organic nitrogen that stimulate root exudation and microbial enzyme activity,” he explains. “Fermentable sugars and fulvic acid from L-CBF TerraFed energise microbial populations and improve the carbon to nitrogen balance.
“Applying SeaBoost to arable crops in early autumn and at the start of spring growth, or on grassland after grazing or cutting, is a very effective way to increase microbe populations, improving the availability of key nutrients while boosting root mass, improving soil and plant health. This contributes to higher crop yields and improves the efficiency of applied fertilisers.”
However, it is not just microbe numbers that count – achieving the right balance between fungi and bacteria is critical. The average ratio in UK arable soils is about 0.2:1 respectively, but most of the arable crops grown perform best at ratios of 0.5:1 to 1:1.
“Most arable soils have become bacteria dominated, driven by intensive cultivations and high levels of nitrate-based fertilisers and fungicides,” Chris explains.
“This is potentially reducing soil structure and crop health, but suiting pernicious weeds like groundsel, blackgrass and bromes. We have created the perfect environment for our biggest enemies to grow.”
Restoring the balance to favour arable crops by interspersing rotations with cover crops and using minimum cultivations is very effective, but can take 10 years of more. “SeaBoost drives biology and will help optimise the fungi to bacteria ratio,” says Chris. “It can really speed up the process.”
SeaBoost benefits
· Improved nutrient‑use efficiency and reduced fertiliser losses
· Stronger root architecture and early crop vigour
· Enhanced soil structure and moisture‑holding capacity
· Increased microbial diversity and enzymatic activity
· Supports long‑term soil carbon building and resilience