How to Apply Liquid Biological Fertilizers: Complete Equipment Guide

Application Method Overview

AgConcepts liquid biological products are designed for maximum flexibility — they can be applied through nearly any liquid application system used in commercial row crop production. The right method for your operation depends on your equipment, crop timing, and the specific product. This guide walks through each major application method with practical specifics for AgConcepts products.

Ground Rig Application

Ground rig application is the most common method for AgConcepts products and offers the most precise placement and rate control. ZyDrive and ProMax go in-furrow with your planter. PervaideMax is broadcast soil-applied (6:1 water mix). Enhance is applied as a foliar spray at the V-to-R growth stage.

Pre-Plant Broadcast

Pre-plant broadcast is the simplest timing and works well for soil-applied biologicals. Apply with a field sprayer at 10–20 gallons of solution per acre (GPA). Products can be mixed with liquid nitrogen (28-0-0, 32-0-0) in most cases — always conduct a jar test 24 hours before field use. Tillage incorporation after pre-plant broadcast improves product-to-soil contact, though surface application followed by rainfall also provides effective incorporation.

In-Season Broadcast

Foliar applications work best for Enhance. Use 15–30 GPA minimum for good coverage. Apply at the V-to-R growth stage transition for maximum crop response, or spoon feed at 1 qt/acre weekly starting at 20–30 days post-emergence. Spray during cooler parts of the day (early morning, evening) to minimize leaf burn risk. Avoid application in temperatures above 90°F or during direct sun stress.

Aerial Application

Aerial application with fixed-wing or helicopter equipment is practical for Enhance when ground equipment is not accessible (wet soils, tall canopy). Apply at minimum 3 GPA for aerial equipment — higher volumes improve coverage and foliar efficacy. ZyDrive and ProMax are in-furrow products; PervaideMax is a soil-applied product — both benefit more from ground application with adequate soil contact.

Notify your aerial applicator that products are enzyme and biological-based. Most contract aerial applicators are familiar with liquid biological products. Request low-drift nozzles and calm-wind scheduling (winds below 10 mph) for best results.

Irrigation System Injection (Fertigation)

Fertigation is an excellent delivery method for AgConcepts products in irrigated corn, soybeans, vegetables, and specialty crops. Products are injected into the irrigation mainline and delivered uniformly across the field with the irrigation set.

System Requirements

• Injection pump capacity matched to irrigation flow rate (consult your dealer for sizing)
• Backflow prevention on injection point (required by most state regulations)
• Injection point downstream of filters to avoid filter plugging
• Flush line after product injection with clean water (30 minutes of runtime) to push product out of laterals

Fertigation Rates

For fertigation, Enhance can be injected at 1 qt/acre per set through the season for ongoing foliar-style delivery. PervaideMax can be fertigated at 1 gal/acre diluted 6:1 with water for soil penetration. Avoid mixing with high-phosphorus fertilizers in the injection line in drip systems — test compatibility with a jar test first.

In-Furrow Application

In-furrow placement at planting delivers biologicals directly to the seed zone — the highest-value placement for products that promote root development and early stand establishment. ZyDrive and ProMax are both designed for in-furrow use, mixed with starter fertilizer at planting.

Equipment Setup

In-furrow application requires liquid delivery plumbing on the planter row units. Most newer planters can be equipped with in-furrow liquid kits from major aftermarket suppliers. Apply at 5–10 GPA for adequate coverage in the furrow. Rate control can be managed manually or with prescription rate controllers if equipped.

Tank Mixing for In-Furrow

In-furrow is a sensitive application point — product compatibility is more critical here than in broadcast applications. Always test compatibility before field use. ZyDrive and ProMax are both compatible with most in-furrow starter fertilizers (10-34-0, 7-21-7) at recommended rates. They can be applied together or individually. Avoid in-furrow with high-salt fertilizers at full broadcast rates — dilute significantly for in-furrow placement.

Tank Mixing Guidelines

AgConcepts products are generally highly compatible with the inputs commonly used in corn and soybean production programs. However, always follow these tank mixing best practices:

1. Jar test every new combination: Mix 1 oz of each product per gallon in the intended proportions in a clear jar. After 30 minutes, check for precipitation, gelling, separation, or heat generation. If any occurs, do not mix in the field.
2. Mix order matters: Fill the tank 50% with clean water first. Add dry products first, then liquids in this order: compatibility agents, micronutrients, biologicals, liquid fertilizers, herbicides/fungicides, adjuvants. Top off with remaining water.
3. pH sensitivity: Most AgConcepts products perform best in spray solutions with pH 5.5–7.0. Test spray water pH before mixing. Highly alkaline water (pH 8.0+) can degrade biological activity — use a buffering agent to bring pH down to 6.0–6.5.
4. Temperature extremes: Do not mix or apply below 40°F or above 95°F. Biological activity is impaired at temperature extremes, and some products can lose stability in heat.

Equipment Cleaning and Maintenance

AgConcepts products are non-corrosive and clean up easily with water. After application:

• Rinse sprayer tank and lines with clean water immediately after use — do not let product dry in equipment
• Triple-rinse tanks that previously contained herbicides before adding biological products — herbicide residue can damage biological components
• Inspect strainer screens and nozzle screens before and after — biologicals are filtered products but field soils can plug screens
• Store remaining product in sealed original containers in a temperature-controlled environment (40–85°F ideal)
• Shelf life for AgConcepts products is typically 1–2 years from manufacture date at recommended storage temperatures

Timing Quick Reference

Product	Best Timing	Method	Rate
ZyDrive	At planting — all crops	In-furrow with starter fertilizer	1 gal/acre
PervaideMax	Pre or post planting — heavy/wet soils	Ground broadcast (6:1 water mix)	1 gal/acre
Enhance	V-to-R growth stage transition	Foliar spray	2 qt/acre; or 1 qt/acre/week spoon feed
ProMax	At planting — fumigation replacement	In-furrow with starter fertilizer	1 gal/acre