From Lab to Field: How is Pivot Bio Applied for Optimal Crop Health

How is Pivot Bio applied for the best results? Getting Pivot Bio PROVEN 40 from the lab to the field requires responsible stewardship. The microbes are living organisms that need to survive transportation, storage, and application before they can thrive in the field. Pivot Bio PROVEN 40 comes in two forms, in-furrow or on-seed, with different applications.

Pivot Bio’s in-furrow product is a single-application liquid added at planting. The box contains two bladders, each with a different microbe. The two microbes, Klebsiella variicola and Kosakonia sacchari, are used together.

The Pivot Bio on-seed coating provides 40 pounds of nitrogen per acre.  Once the plant germinates, the microbes activate. Quality tests show that there are no issues with the seed, the environment, or the handler. 

How Is Pivot Bio Applied: Stewardship

Pivot Bio has made caring for the microbes simple. Following instructions from purchase to application gives the microbes the best chance to support crops. 

Purchasing and Transportation

Pivot Bio PROVEN 40 is packaged in batch quantities. The smaller quantities help ensure the microbes are viable when the customer is ready to plant. Each box of in-furrow product is enough to treat 40 acres—a box of on-seed product treats 50 units of seed. In-furrow product must be purchased in 40-acre quantities. However, the on-seed treatment has a 125-acre minimum.

Pivot Bio contacts customers to confirm they are ready to receive their order before they ship it. Orders for over 120 acres require a signature on delivery, while smaller orders can be sent overnight by FedEx. Delivering on-demand helps ensure the microbes can be quickly and safely stored until use.

Customers who work with Red Barn Enterprises in Western Kansas have the added benefit of deliveries handled directly by our team. This ensures that every shipment meets our high standards for care and timely distribution, further enhancing the viability of the microbes and the overall effectiveness of their application on your crops.

Pivot Bio Storage

While in-furrow and on-seed applications differ, both products have a few things in common. Since Pivot Bio contains living organisms, the product requires dry, temperature-controlled storage out of direct sunlight. This applies to treated seed as well. Temperatures should be between 32 and 70℉. 

Store Pivot Bio PROVEN 40 in the original box. Neither product should be opened until it is ready to use. Once opened, the in-furrow product needs to be used within 24 hours. The on-seed product should be used within four hours of opening, but treated seed has a 60-day shelf life. For those using the liquid in-furrow product, it’s crucial to consider how in-furrow fertilizer tank mixes can affect the viability of the microbes. Consulting with Red Barn Enterprises can help ensure that the microbes remain effective when they go into the ground at planting. This guidance is particularly vital for growers utilizing the liquid in-furrow product, as proper mixing and application directly impact the success of microbial inoculation.

How is Pivot Bio Applied? Liquid In-Furrow vs. On-Seed

Pivot Bio must be applied at planting. If added after the plants begin to grow, the microbes won’t adhere to the root system as they need direct contact with the seed. While both Pivot Bio products require application at planting, there are differences. 

How is Pivot Bio Applied: Liquid In-Furrow

The liquid in-furrow product is applied by the customer with starter fertilizer. Before opening the in-furrow product, it should be gently mixed to distribute the microbes evenly. Each bladder has its own cap and pull tab. Customers should notice a fermented odor when the product is opened. This means that the microbes are alive and well.

Any other products that the customer is adding simultaneously with Pivot Bio should be mixed in the tank before adding the microbes. If the opening of the tank being used is large enough, both caps can be removed so that the two microbes can be added together. Otherwise, adding them one at a time is fine. 

Working in small batches is preferred so that the product in the tank can be used up within the 24-hour timeframe. For 30” rows, the application rate is 0.1 gal/ac. Further, Pivot Bio can assist growers in sourcing the right equipment to address challenges with fertilizer blends that may harm the microbes, such as the Dosatron Injection Kit. Additionally, Pivot Bio offers the NLIGHTEN program, which involves a three-year commitment from the grower to use Pivot Bio products. In return, growers receive a payment to help offset the cost of the specialized equipment, ensuring optimal application and effectiveness of the microbial products.

How is Pivot Bio Applied: On-Seed

The Pivot Bio PROVEN 40 On-seed is applied by a Pivot Bio rep. The coating is fast-drying and has no negative effects on seed viability or flowability. Seeds must be planted within 40-60 days of treatment. Any additional products, such as insecticides or starter fertilizers, can safely be added at planting if labeled for in-furrow use.

Want to Hear More about PROVEN 40?

Help Them Help You

As customers have used the product and the company continues testing, a few best practices and tips have been established. The Pivot Bio website includes videos, blog posts, and assorted documents to support users. Examples of information that is available are: 

• Compatibility with other products to be applied at the same time should be discussed with the Pivot Bio rep. Some products have the potential to damage or kill the microbes. Other products can be applied separately or within a certain timeframe. Pivot Bio provides a Tank Mix Calculator and a compatibility chart to help.
• It is recommended that growers avoid using chlorinated water, if possible, as it can negatively impact the microbes. If customers do not have access to non-chlorinated water, Pivot Bio suggests using chlorine remediation products to protect the microbes. 
• Cleaning the liquid system equipment is essential. The growth medium that supports the microbes in Pivot Bio PROVEN 40 can also support other bacteria. The company suggests running soapy water through the equipment to remove any scale buildup and ammonia to kill any bacteria that may be in it.

Treating the microbes responsibly optimizes what Pivot Bio can do for crops. The Pivot Bio website is just one source of information. Red Barn Enterprises is available to answer questions and guide you through the best way to incorporate Pivot Bio into your nitrogen program for your next crop.

Red Barn Enterprises: Who We Are

Red Barn Enterprises stands at the forefront of agricultural innovation, dedicated to enhancing crop health and productivity. With a commitment to both tradition and technological advancement, we partner with leading companies like Pivot Bio to bring you the latest in agricultural solutions. Our team, deeply rooted in farming expertise, works tirelessly to ensure that every product and service we offer maximizes value for our farmers, fostering sustainable and prosperous agricultural practices.

Visit our blog and watch a Pivot Bio case study on 63 different in-field checks of Pivot Bio in Western Kansas.

Getting Started With Red Barn Enterprises

Start your journey with Red Barn Enterprises today. Our expert team is ready to demonstrate the practical application of Pivot Bio, ensuring you understand every step from lab to field. Let us help you maximize your yields with tailored, cutting-edge strategies that transform your agricultural operations.

This post was written by Axis Seed – Red Barn Enterprises President and resident corn expert, Matt Long.