AUDIO: Jane Fife, 3Bar Biologics
The United Nations? Department of Economics and Social Affairs expects the global population grow significantly, reaching over 9 billion people in 2050. Agricultural productivity must increase to feed such a staggering population. An emerging bioscience company offers growers a solution to enhance productivity.
3Bar Biologics, based out of Columbus, Ohio, presented Bio-YIELD at the Iowa Biotechnology Association Partnering for Growth: Biotech Innovation Showcase and Forum. The technology helps growers increase beneficial bacteria, or microbes within their soils. Jane Fife, 3Bar Biologics Chief Scientific Operator, says Bio-YIELD utilizes beneficial bacteria to improve corn and soybean yields.
?We?ve been independently conducting field trials for the last three years in corn. We?ve seen on average about (a) four- to five-percent yield or eight to nine bushels per acre increase in corn. We?ve seen that in multiple sites over multiple years. We?re really encouraged that this idea of providing a 100% viable product, with our unique delivery system, is really helping farmers get the full benefit out of that beneficial bacteria,? Fife said.
Growers can apply Bio-Yield either in-furrow or as an overdressing. Fife says 3Bar Biologics unique system allows fermentation to occur onsite with the farmer.
?The farmer pushes a button to combine the bacteria – which are in a dormant state to start, but come back alive as they grow in the nutrient solution. What they?ll end up with, in roughly 24 to 48 hours, is a fresh population of bacteria. We?re providing farmers with a system where they can grow their own bacteria onsite. We think it makes a difference in the performance of the product in the field,? Fife said.
Bio-Yield, a low cost products, amounts to roughly $5 per acre. For more information about 3Bar Biologics and Bio-Yield, visit www.3barbiologics.com/.
