#United States #Pivot Bio #Champaign #Corn Farming #Gene-Edited Microbes

Transformative Nitrogen Solutions for Corn Production

A landmark study conducted by the University of Illinois and published in the Agronomy Journal has revealed the profound potential of Pivot Bio's patented gene-edited microbes. These microbes serve as a vital third source of nitrogen for corn production, a revelation that could revolutionize agricultural practices.

The Mechanics Behind the Innovation

Pivot Bio's PROVEN® 40 product employs advanced gene-editing technology to convert naturally occurring soil bacteria into efficient nitrogen-fixing organisms. This innovative solution supplies nitrogen to corn plants during crucial growth stages, particularly when demand peaks. By utilizing PROVEN® 40, farmers can reduce their reliance on synthetic fertilizers, promoting greater consistency in crop yield while enhancing the overall resilience of their nitrogen management systems.

Chris Abbott, CEO of Pivot Bio, remarks, "Innovation often means embracing complexity, and this study highlights the distinctive role of our microbes as the only gene-edited nitrogen-fixing technology available to farmers. With nearly 15 years of experience and over 15 million acres of application, we are deeply appreciative of the rigorous research conducted by the University of Illinois team."

Key Findings from the Study

The comprehensive research scrutinized the impact of inoculating corn with Pivot Bio's gene-edited microbes, aiming to improve nitrogen availability and enabling farmers to partially offset their synthetic nitrogen applications. Several key outcomes were established:

1. Enhanced Plant Nitrogen Uptake: During critical growth phases, treated plants exhibited higher nitrogen retention, leading to healthier biomass and improved vegetative development.
2. Evidence of Atmospheric Nitrogen Absorption: A decrease in isotope 15N within treated plants indicated successful absorption of nitrogen fixed by PROVEN® 40, showing the effectiveness of the microbial solution.
3. Consistent In-Season Nitrogen Contribution: The study found that PROVEN® 40 provided up to 35 pounds of nitrogen per acre during early growth, supporting plant health without compromising yields.

Logan Woodward, a Ph.D. candidate and lead researcher, emphasizes, "This work underscores the untapped potential of atmospheric nitrogen for corn production. Using PROVEN® 40 has enabled us to document considerable increases in nitrogen accumulation in plants, thereby enhancing yield potentials."

A New Era of Agricultural Sustainability

The significance of this research extends beyond immediate findings. Another peer-reviewed study conducted by Purdue University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison echoed similar results, demonstrating that farmers utilizing PROVEN® 40 can replace 35 to 40 pounds of synthetic nitrogen while maintaining or even improving yield outcomes. Ryan Van Roekel, head of commercial agronomy at Pivot Bio, states, "These findings are particularly promising for growers aiming to bolster their nitrogen management resilience, especially in the face of erratic weather conditions that typically undermine nitrogen supply."

Research Backing and Creative Growth

PROVEN® 40's efficacy is supported by a decade of research, validated across 6,147 fields in 34 states, involving over 2,500 farmers. Backed by 60 patents and 250 pending applications, this technology has undergone extensive testing by over 20 leading universities, providing it a solid foundation for future agricultural practices.

The study, titled Soil Inoculation with Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria to Supplement Maize Fertilizer Need, is published in Agronomy Journal and offers critical insights into advancing nitrogen management in agriculture.

As Pivot Bio continues to innovate, their commitment to providing sustainable solutions that leverage the natural processes of the environment remains unwavering, solidifying their position at the forefront of agricultural technology. For more details about this significant study, visit Pivot Bio's official website.