Key Takeaways
- ProGro BIO released third-party research on its Rhizol® microbial soil inoculant.
- The analysis was based on more than 1,000 independently evaluated soil samples.
- Results showed improved nutrient retention and reduced nutrient mobility in treated soils.
- Increases in humic matter and soil nitrogen indicators were observed.
- Plant tissue analysis indicated improved nutrient uptake in Rhizol-treated crops.
Independent Research Evaluates ProGro BIO's Rhizol® Performance In Field Conditions
ProGro BIO announced the release of new third-party research evaluating the performance of Rhizol®, its microbial soil inoculant, under real-world field conditions. The findings are based on more than 1,000 soil samples collected and analyzed independently, comparing treated and untreated field sections before planting and after harvest.
According to the company, the results demonstrate measurable improvements in soil health indicators, nutrient retention, and crop nutrition across diverse soils and management systems.
Nutrient Retention Trends Observed In Treated Soils
The soil analysis was conducted by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Agronomics Division. Researchers used nutrient-index testing to assess the likelihood that essential nutrients—such as phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and micronutrients—would be lost through leaching, runoff, or volatilization.
Lower nutrient-index values indicate stronger nutrient retention. The post-harvest data showed consistently lower nutrient-index values in Rhizol-treated soils compared with untreated controls. This trend was observed across multiple nutrients, indicating that more fertility remained in the root zone where crops could access it.
Zach Lancaster, Director of Field Agronomy and Grower Relations at ProGro BIO, said the findings reflect on-farm experience. He noted that growers report stronger soil function and improved nutrient efficiency when Rhizol is integrated into their operations.
Improvements In Organic Matter And Soil Nitrogen Indicators
Increased Humic Matter Detected
Across the dataset, soils treated with Rhizol demonstrated a statistically significant increase in humic matter percentage compared with untreated soils. Humic matter is widely associated with improved soil structure, moisture retention, microbial activity, and nitrogen availability.
ProGro BIO stated that these changes align with Rhizol’s proposed mode of action, which includes stimulating microbial processes linked to humification and stable organic matter formation. The company noted that higher humic matter levels are commonly viewed as indicators of long-term soil fertility and resilience.
Plant Tissue Analysis Shows Enhanced Nutrient Uptake With Rhizol®
To evaluate whether improved soil retention translated into plant-level benefits, ProGro BIO conducted multi-site plant tissue sampling. The samples were analyzed independently by Waypoint Analytical in Memphis, Tennessee.
The results showed higher tissue concentrations of essential nutrients in crops grown in Rhizol-treated soils compared with untreated controls. According to the company, improved nutrient uptake supports early vigor, stand establishment, and stress tolerance, contributing to improved yield potential.
Implications For Growers And Input Efficiency
Blake Young, Chief Executive Officer of ProGro BIO, said the results are particularly relevant as growers face volatile fertilizer costs and tighter nutrient regulations. He stated that the findings highlight Rhizol’s potential to support both agronomic performance and environmental stewardship by reducing nutrient loss while improving soil function.
ProGro BIO indicated that the independent data reinforce Rhizol’s role as a season-long soil and nutrient management tool designed to help growers improve efficiency and consistency under a wide range of field conditions.
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