Sidedress applications open up enzyme technology to more acres

COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. — Stabilized enzyme technology is ready for its debut in sidedress fertilizer applications in 2024.

Helena Agri-Enterprises announced the expansion of its Zypro soil amendment label to include the common practice, which produced an 83% win rate and 5.8 bushel per acre yield increase in research trials in corn.

Mike Powell, senior brand manager of bioscience with Helena Products Group, said the label revision is intended to help farmers improve nutrient management on more acres.

“We’ve been testing this application of Zypro for several years because we know a lot of row crop farmers rely on sidedress as a way to efficiently deliver nitrogen early in the season,” he said.

“By adding Zypro, you’re not only placing fertilizer in the right place at the right time, but you’re also using enzyme technology to create a more productive soil environment. This has a direct impact on how effective your roots are at feeding the growing crop.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture cites enzymes as a key indicator of soil health.

While native enzymes only survive in the soil for a few days, the stabilized phospholipase enzymes in Zypro produce chemical reactions in the soil for up to 60 days.

They optimize the microbial community and improve nutrient cycling in the soil to enhance root effectiveness and strengthen early-season development and yield potential.

“Enzymes are known to boost natural processes in the soil,” Powell said. “What we offer with Zypro is a consistent way to produce those benefits using VersaShield Formulation Technology.

“Through this patented production process, the enzymes in Zypro are stabilized to work with a variety of different products in all types of growing conditions and last longer in the soil.”

In fertilizer applications, VersaShield Formulation Technology enables Zypro to start working immediately, dispersing quickly through the soil for maximum effect in the root zone.

It creates formulation longevity for a longer shelf life and extended application window. It also makes Zypro compatible with other common tank-mix partners like fungicides and insecticides.

According to Powell, the process provides a “seamless, cost-effective way to get more out of your sidedress fertilizer applications.”