Biostimulants: Efficacy Validation with Our Science

Ag Metrics Group conducts a comprehensive range of biostimulant studies to determine the best rates and use patterns required for best efficacy of product candidates. Our services include a full spectrum of trials conducted within our network of field stations with greenhouse facilities across the United States, offering a wide variety of crops, climate zones and controlled-environment conditions.
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Our biostimulant trials focus on enhancement of crop yield and quality, abiotic stress tolerance, plant nutrient uptake, early crop emergence, fruit setting, root system development. Stress conditions can be created in the field, greenhouse or laboratory to emphasize the effects of experimental treatments.
Common  Abiotic Stress Tolerance Test Systems
  • Drought stress
  • Heat or cold stress
  • Salt stress
  • Nutrient stress
  • Stress caused by pesticides or other agricultural inputs
Common Biostimulant Test Systems

Abiotic stress conditions are present naturally or can be easily created at our California, Florida or Michigan field stations: Drought stress is relevant in non-irrigated Michigan corn crops, Nutrient stress is especially important at our Florida location with sandy soils, and Salt stress is a relevant factor at our Central Valley location in California.

​Depending on client needs, trials can be customized to fit any protocol and test conditions. Examples of biostimulant research conducted at our research stations include:
  • measurement of plant water uptake for enhanced plant performance under drought, high moisture or wind events
  • measurement of subtle changes in canopy development and root systems.
  • assessment of plant growth enhancement due to products promoting beneficial microbial activity in the soil
  • mitigation of salt stress by balancing nutrient ion uptake to reduce toxic ion accumulation
Formulation Screening and Support
Ag Metrics Group offers high-throughput formulation screening with a variety of protocols to provide manufacturers with critical feedback for final formulation optimization. Our greenhouse facilities in California and Florida are particularly active in bench testing of biostimulant products with any crop plant species, from artichokes to tobacco. Results from laboratory and greenhouse tests are validated in replicated small-plot field trials, and finally in large plot demonstration trials to support sales and marketing activities.

Common Metrics Studied

  • Seed Germination / Early Development
  • Plant Growth / Biomass
  • Nutrient Uptake / Tissue Concentration
  • Photosynthetic Activity / Chlorophyll Content
  • Stomatal Gas Exchange (porometer)
  • Root Growth / Biomass / Architecture
  • Stress Ratings
  • Yield Quantity & Quality
  • Post-harvest / Shelf-life Evaluations
Why Choose Ag Metrics Group for Your Biostimulant Trials

  1. Expertise and Guidance: We bring extensive knowledge and experience in biostimulant trials, providing expert guidance throughout your trial planning and execution to ensure optimal outcomes.
  2. Customization: Our solutions are tailored to fit your specific requirements, from crop selection and application technology to system design.
  3. Data-Driven Results: We emphasize rigorous data collection and analysis to measure performance, allowing for fine-tuning of parameters for maximum efficiency and yield.

With 45 years of experience as a Contract Research Organization focused on agricultural technology and its presence in multiple U.S. climate zones provide a robust foundation for conducting comprehensive and regionally-specific biostimulant research tailored to each client and product type.

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