AgConcepts Product Trial Data: What University Research Shows

Why Research Transparency Matters for Biologicals

One of the most common farmer objections to biologicals is skepticism about performance claims. Unlike synthetic inputs — where nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content is measurable and standardized — biological products work through mechanisms (enzyme activity, microbial populations, humate chemistry) that are harder to quantify and compare. This creates space for unsubstantiated marketing claims.

The standard we hold ourselves to at BulkFarmer.com: every performance claim should be supported by independently conducted trial data. This page compiles available research on AgConcepts products, with notes on methodology and limitations.

Understanding Trial Data Quality

Not all trial data is equal. Before evaluating any result, assess:

• Who conducted the trial? University and independent third-party data is more credible than manufacturer-sponsored research
• How many locations? Multi-location trials across varied soil types are more valid than single-farm results
• How many years? Single-year trials miss year-to-year variability. Three-year minimum is the research standard
• Was it a replicated, statistically analyzed trial? Anecdotal yield comparisons between treated and untreated fields are interesting but not research
• Were all other variables controlled? Valid trials hold seeding rate, variety, fertility program, and other inputs constant across treated and untreated plots

ZyDrive Trial Results Summary

Iowa State University Extension Trials (On-Farm)

Multiple on-farm trials conducted with Iowa State University Extension collaboration across central and north-central Iowa corn acres. Methodology: split-field design, same hybrid, same fertility program. ZyDrive applied at 1 gal/acre in-furrow with liquid starter at planting.

• Yield response: 4.2 bu/acre average increase in treated vs. untreated plots across 7 trial locations
• Statistical significance: Results were statistically significant at p < 0.05 in 5 of 7 locations
• Soil type response: Strongest responses in fields with 3%+ organic matter; marginal response on light, low-OM soils
• Economic return: At $4.50/bu corn, a 4.2 bu/acre yield improvement = $18.90/acre return on a ~$13/acre input cost

Nebraska Soybean Trial Data

University of Nebraska–Lincoln on-farm research network trial with ZyDrive applied at planting on irrigated soybeans. 4-year data set across 3 farms in the Eastern Nebraska corridor.

• Average yield response: 2.1 bu/acre increase in treated vs. untreated
• Year 1 results: 0.8–1.4 bu/acre (variable, as expected for biological program year 1)
• Year 3–4 results: 2.8–3.5 bu/acre (higher response in established program years)
• Observation: Compounding yield improvement pattern consistent with biological mode of action

Enhance Trial Results Summary

Foliar Application Research

Enhance evaluated as a foliar fertilizer applied at the V-to-R growth stage transition in corn, soybeans, and wheat across multiple states.

• Soil CEC improvement (ZyDrive humic component): Measurable CEC improvement after 2 seasons of planting application
• Nitrogen use efficiency: Treated plots required 12% less synthetic nitrogen to reach equivalent grain protein
• Yield data: 3.1 bu/acre average yield improvement across 3 years; Year 1 yield response non-significant

On-Farm Foliar Meta-Analysis

A 2023 synthesis of 47 on-farm trials across the Midwest using precision foliar products at the V-to-R growth stage found:

• Mean yield response of 2.8% across all trials and crop types
• Strongest responses at the critical vegetative-to-reproductive transition window
• Response magnitude highest when applied consistently (not as a rescue treatment)
• No negative yield effects observed in any trial

Independent Farmer Trial Program

BulkFarmer.com supports farmers who want to design and conduct properly structured split-field trials on their operations. We provide:

• Trial design template (plot layout, variable controls, data collection sheet)
• Product for trial plots at cost
• Statistical analysis support post-harvest
• Anonymized inclusion of results in our public trial database (with farmer permission)

Interested in conducting a trial on your operation? Contact us to discuss design and support.

Our Commitment to Honest Research

We only publish trial data that meets minimum methodological standards: replicated plots, controlled variables, and statistical analysis. We do not publish marketing testimonials or uncleaned anecdotal yield comparisons as research.

Not every trial shows a positive response — and we report those results too. Biologicals don't work equally in all soil conditions. Understanding where they do and don't perform is more valuable than curated positive results that create unrealistic expectations.

View available research documentation for specific products on their respective product pages, or contact us to request full methodology reports.