By Andi Anderson
Agricultural biologicals are becoming more popular across U.S. farms. These include microbes and natural substances that support plant health, growth, and pest control.
In 2024, the biological products market reached $17 billion and is projected to grow by nearly 14% each year through the end of the decade.
A 2024 national survey found that 87% of farmers are aware of biologicals, and 45% are using them to improve soil health, boost yields, and increase profitability. Products include biostimulants, plant growth regulators, and biopesticides, but this article focuses mainly on true biologicals—living microbes like Bradyrhizobium.
Research from the Science for Success team, covering over 100 test sites across 21 states in 2022 and 2023, showed mixed results. In 2023, soybean yields increased by an average of 1.6 bushels per acre with Bradyrhizobium. Other products showed yield gains of up to 3 bushels per acre, but this happened only 25% of the time.
Michigan’s Soybean On-Farm Research program tested foliar-applied biologicals between 2011 and 2024. Out of 106 test locations, only six showed significantly better yields. Across all sites, no consistent yield boost was found.
University studies often differ from company results due to stricter testing methods and statistical analysis. Companies may test in select environments that favor positive outcomes or may present only favorable data. Weather, crop variety, application timing, and field conditions all affect product success.
Still, experts at Michigan State University and other institutions see potential. Controlled tests have shown plant health benefits, and researchers are committed to continuing field trials. Farmers are encouraged to share which products have worked for them so researchers can test them in future studies.
Biologicals may not be magic solutions, but they could be valuable tools in a grower’s toolkit when used under the right conditions.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Michigan, Crops, Soybeans