Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) is a cornerstone of sustainability in soybean production systems in Brazil, offering significant environmental benefits by eliminating the need for nitrogen fertilizers. This process relies primarily on bacteria from the Bradyrhizobium genus, which capture atmospheric nitrogen and convert it into organic compounds. Over the years, through research led by Embrapa Soybean, a practice known as co-inoculation was developed. This involves using a plant growth-promoting bacterium, Azospirillum, during soybean sowing—a bacterium initially utilized in crops like corn, wheat, and rice.

One of our standout products, BioStart, is among our 40 products registered with the Ministry of Agriculture. BioStart differentiates itself by combining the well-known benefits of Azospirillum brasilense strains Ab-V5 and Ab-V6 with Pseudomonas fluorescens, which enhances plant growth by increasing nutrient availability, particularly phosphorus (P), and producing siderophores. Together, these bacteria provide plants with increased vigor, improved nutrition, and a robust root system. “When these two important bacteria present in BioStart are used together with Bradyrhizobium, they enhance BNF and deliver numerous benefits for soybeans,” says André Nakatani, our Research, Development, and Innovation Manager.

Among these benefits, beyond improved crop nutrition, the bacterial consortium also makes the soil more conducive to crop development. “Combining all these factors, the plant will be able to develop better and consequently produce a higher yield of grains. It’s important to highlight that both Azospirillum and Pseudomonas are found in a single package, offering convenience and innovation to farmers who no longer need to handle multiple products at planting time,” Nakatani explained.

Higher Productivity

Field studies and tests have confirmed the efficiency of BioStart. In areas where the bio-solution was used, alongside more vigorous plants, significant productivity gains were observed in soybeans. Across different locations monitored over two consecutive seasons, areas treated with BioStart had an average yield of 72 sacks per hectare, compared to 68 sacks per hectare in the control, representing an increase of 4 sacks per hectare.

According to César Kersting, the company’s Commercial Director, the use of microbial consortia, such as BioStart in soybean cultivation, aligns with Biosphera’s development focus. “We aim to strengthen microbial biodiversity through more sustainable agricultural practices, more balanced agro-systems, and productivity gains,” Kersting emphasized.

Microbial Biodiversity

One of our key differentiators is the Strategic BioManagement (BME), which involves medium and long-term monitoring with farmers to identify specific needs of each soil and crop. “We implemented this concept because we understand that the environment and the context of each crop are unique and affect productivity and the effectiveness of management strategies individually,” Kersting concluded.

This evolution in soybean co-inoculation not only fosters a more sustainable approach to agriculture but also delivers tangible economic benefits to producers through increased productivity and streamlined operations. As co-inoculation techniques continue to advance, products like BioStart will play an essential role in driving the future of sustainable and profitable farming.

Source: Biosphera