Why We Use Newer Tests to Give Us Better Information

June 25, 2024

Ferticell undertook a review of tests and protocols to determine if we were testing the right parameters and to better demonstrate our products in action. Ferticell products are different from conventional in form and function. They are absorbed, have higher bioavailability, and are working within three hours of application. We also wanted to determine if our products improve the biome since they have multiple purposes including feeding the plant, biome, and reducing salt in the soil by using fewer conventional inputs. We wanted results similar to a human metabolic blood panel that measures aspects of metabolic processes happening in the body (plant). We believe newer technologies might provide that information to be incorporated into protocols as part of our Five-Year Remediation Program.


Ferticell products are unique in raw materials and how they are produced. As explained in previous articles, we utilize a microscopic, unicellular delivery system that is a suspension of concentrated liquid cultures with balanced nutrition and a variety of microorganisms to feed plants at the cellular level. They work on all plants by foliar or fertigation application through leaf pores or soil via the root stomata. When delivered it is absorbed instantaneously and being plant-based they are highly bioavailable, do not need any conversion and are active within 3 hours of application. With those criteria we found how and what we had tested did not meet our real needs. Our focus had to be measurements of analytical data to demonstrate our efficacy and capabilities over conventional inputs with better outcomes. 


When we developed protocols with Melissa Nelson of Performance Crop Research for a summer test on corn, we initially focused on tissue testing to determine what was in the plant at a specific point in time. At the time we were also having discussions with a company and found they were Beta testing a crop probe that would give the real time levels of input as it was applied, when it was active in the plant, and they permitted us to be the first test in the U.S. of their technology. It will give us a further measurement of how much the plant is capable of utilizing to better determine what rates should be used so inputs are not eliminated through excretion. 


Rebecca Helget of Integrated Ag Solutions alerted us to some new technologies. She discussed a new test from NEW AGE Laboratories, an enhanced version of Plant SAP Analysis giving more information than present tests and is presented in a graphical representation for better interpretation. Present soil content testing does not give a value of the actual availability (intensity), so Rebecca suggested an article by NEW AGE Laboratories, Scott Wall, about another of their tests, RapidSoil, that measures what nutrients are in the root zones soil solution. Combining the two helps determine what the plant is taking up and what is available (daily) in the soil. It might help prevent over or incorrect fertilization which is an ongoing issue. We have added both this plant SAP analysis and RapidSoil and by adding them to our protocols, the additional data can further confirm when our product enters the plant and at what point it is being utilized. We also would know more about what is already available in the soil and can be utilized, so together would determine amounts that need to be applied.


Our last protocol is to determine if we are propagating the biome. We use Biome Makers BeCrop test before and after a trial to measure biome levels and any increases from using our products. The test is quantitative and qualitative measuring specific types needed to convert unusable input and increase soil viability. Our products assist the biome in converting residual and newly applied inputs into useable forms. Our products are biological and prebiotic to feed the biome and overcome the high salt content. Taniell Liepner has been assisting us to ensure tests are being run correctly and the process is running correctly. 


Following our protocols, after using these tests, farmers will fully understand why our products are more effective in feeding plant and soil while remediating the biome and can be used in any tank load to also increase their ROI.

PLANTS FEEDING PLANTS

Full-Cycle Organic Biostimulant

By Bruce Roberts • July 31, 2025
Ferticell® Pro Primer™ 2-0-0: A Full-Cycle Organic Biostimulant for Soil and Crop Health 

What Salinity Can Do to Your Soil

By Bruce Roberts • July 15, 2025
Farmers should be examining their crops now for signs of stress, all forms of stress, not just drought. High temperatures, erratic rainfall, salinity, and nutrient limitations are already pushing crops toward dormancy and reducing yield potential across large areas. With stress-induced yield losses ranging from 8–40%, proactive measures are critical before you have to remediate. Even when you have the ability to reverse the issue, the ultimate yield has been decreased by a factor. It is more beneficial financially to use Nutri-Plus™ 2.5-0-0 since prevention is always preferable to having to “cure” the problem. Ferticell® Nutri-Plus™ 2.5-0-0 offers one of the most effective, preventive solutions, delivering amino acids, freshwater algae, and bioavailable nitrogen to maintain plant activity and reverse stress before damage becomes irreversible. Prevention is always the best approach, both agronomically and economically. Nutri-Plus™: A Complete Amino Acid-Based Bio-Stimulant Nutri-Plus™ is a 2.5% nitrogen liquid fertilizer derived from non-GMO soy and unicellular freshwater algae. It contains 42 amino acids, including 19 essential types, and acts as both a stress mitigator and a growth stimulant under heat, drought, frost, and saline stress. Key Features: 25% unicellular algae extract – anti-stress agent and nutrient delivery system (same as in Universal™ 0-0-1) 19.8% total amino acids by weight 2.5% plant-based nitrogen – organic, bioavailable, and fast-acting (same as Explorer™ 10-0-0) Low salt index and neutral pH – safe for foliar use and soil biome health Why Amino Acids Matter in Modern Agriculture Amino acids are vital intermediaries in the nitrogen cycle and play an indispensable role in plant resilience and productivity:

Ferticell® Active™ Organic Fertilizers: Precision Nutrition for Organic Crops

By Bruce Roberts • July 1, 2025
Organic growers long faced a challenge: delivering timely, efficient crop nutrition with the same precision available with conventional systems. While synthetic inputs offer speed and flexibility, organic solutions previously were limited, until Ferticell® introduced inputs that were developed for cleaner more efficient and more consistent outcomes. Precision Organic Crop Nutrition was then and is now still possible with products like Ferticell® Active™. This premium line of stage-specific NPK blends enables the delivery of the Right Nutrient, at the Right Time, in the Right Amount —all within organic standards and aligned with regenerative practices for both conventional and organic crops. Each formula is made using 100% plant-based, non-GMO, chloride-free ingredients , with no animal by-products, making it fully compliant with food safety regulations. Built on a foundation of soy protein hydrolysate amino acids and minerals that have been specifically processed for superior solubility (300x dilution through 120-mesh screens), Active™ provides clean, efficient nutrition without compromise. Active™ fertilizers are highly soluble powders designed to correct nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium deficiencies while supporting strong growth and stress resilience. Whether applied through drip systems, traditional irrigation, or foliar spray, over 90% of nutrients are absorbed within 3 hours , like most Ferticell® products. Active™ 2-20-2 – Phosphorus Power for Early Growth High phosphorus for root development and early vigor Excellent as a foliar phosphorus source Supports transplant recovery and abiotic stress resistance Active™ 5-10-10 – Balance for Flowering and Finish Enhances bloom, fruit set, and finishing stages Balanced P and K for stress recovery and metabolic strength Useful across multiple growth phases, especially post-flowering Active™ 13-2-2 – Nitrogen Kick for Growth and Recovery Delivers fast-acting nitrogen during vegetative growth or stress recovery High amino acid content improves tissue repair and tolerance Ideal after transplanting or adverse conditions Tailored Formulas for Every Growth Stage Active™ was developed for critical crop phases—transplanting, vegetative growth, pre-flowering, fruit fill—and for stress events from drought, heat, frost, salinity, hail, or pest damage. In the field, visible crop responses are often apparent within days, particularly when applied before stress-sensitive stages to prevent it. All of this is why Active™ outperforms many other conventional and organic NPK products in consistency, ease of use, uptake, and outcomes. The entire Active™ line harnesses soy protein hydrolysate , the same fast-acting amino acid nitrogen source featured in Ferticell® Explorer™ 10-0-0, 16-0-0, and many of our other products. As with all of our products, these NPK’s integrate seamlessly for blends focused on specific issues or levels of nutrition. Examples of potential inclusions are:  Universal™ 0-0-1 for faster potassium response Microelements™ 1-0-0 to correct micronutrient levels Calcium™ 880 or ProCal™ 3-0-0 for strong structural support Pro Primer™ 2-0-0 for boosting microbial activity and soil vitality Fighting Salt Index of Conventional Fertilizers All of the Ferticell® line has been environmentally friendly from the beginning, 21 years ago, and remains so today. Using our line of NPK’s and other fertilizers, they provide plant-based, highly soluble formulas that allows growers to fine-tune nutrition with the same control conventional systems enjoy without all the salt. Salt is the #1 issue that needs to be controlled in order to save our soil from further degradation. This makes it an ideal addition to your list of ingredients to be used giving a nutrition program (conventional and organic) with higher uptake and efficacy without salt. By increasing their percentage in your program over time (as with all of our products), you can reduce your total salt load and begin to remediate your soil. And with it being applied as a foliar with its quick uptake, it minimizes nitrogen and phosphorous pollution from its lack of volatilization, overuse because of its lower application rates with higher percentage of uptake (90+% utilization) and runoff risk from lower percentage of soil contact. These benefits when analyzed in total, provide better yields with corresponding ROI’s. Guaranteed Analysis – Ferticell® Active™
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