At a time when our population is projected to surpass 8 billion people by the end of 2022, and growers are faced with even more unpredictable weather patterns, biosolutions could provide the key to tackling challenges outside of our control.
UPL Technical Support Specialist Erin Burton explains that when biosolutions – naturally derived substances or microorganisms – are added to traditional crop management practices, the crop’s performance is enhanced, and it has a greater ability to withstand physical stresses throughout the year.
The benefits of biosolutions do not stop there, though.
“Biosolutions enhance nutrient uptake and plant use efficiency, and improve soil health,” Burton adds.
UPL Canada Bright BioSolutions Future
According to Country Head Trent McCrea, UPL Canada is focused on bringing growers biosolutions to “build on yield potential” and “beyond that, build on the quality” of natural products within the industry.
UPL BioSolutions are a perfect example of our Reimagining Sustainability and OpenAg® missions coming together as we continue to work with growers and industry members to understand:
- Where the challenges truly lie
- What solutions and collaborations we can provide for a brighter future
- How we can do so while sustaining our planet and combating climate change
“Since UPL’s establishment in 1969, we’ve strived to provide growers with sustainable solutions fit for their operation,” McCrea says. “Biosolutions are an added way to meet consumer demand while reducing environmental impact.”
On the Market
The first UPL BioSolution introduced in Canada in 2021 was OHM™ biostimulant. This highly advanced solution is created from seaweed extract to optimize nutrient efficiency in a variety of Canadian crops including cereals, pulses, alfalfa and pome fruit.
“The seaweed that we use is called Ascophyllum nodosum, and it lives in very harsh conditions,” says UPL Technical Service Specialist Sabrina Westra. “The seaweed is used to surviving drought, salinity, too much moisture and heat. We harvest the seaweed, extract those stress-tolerant molecules, concentrate it down and create OHM biostimulant to spray on crops.”
Those stress-tolerant traits are then transferred to the field before volatile weather conditions can even begin to disrupt your crop’s life cycle.
Add OHM to Your ProNutiva Portfolio
Taking OHM to the next level, Burton recommends growers consider UPL’s ProNutiva® program. This option integrates natural biosolutions with conventional crop protection products to further help surmount challenges in the fields.
“In terms of tank-mix and spray application, the ProNutiva program is much easier to do all-in-one,” Burton explains. “It’s only one pass over the field when combining the two products as well as the bonus of stimulating the crop with OHM.”
Burton says she’s seen better yields come with adding OHM biostimulant to current crop protection plans, “as well as an increase in plant architecture and a larger root biomass to withstand the environmental pressures over the growing season.”
So, don’t let challenges outside of your control consume you. OHM biostimulant could provide you with the peace of mind you’re looking for this coming season.
Visit with your local UPL representative to learn more about OHM biostimulant and upcoming biosolutions fit for your operation. We’re ready to help you take your crops to the next level.
