DETONATION RESEARCH

In 2004, the Detonation Research Program was started to explore the benefits of adding a multi-strain probiotic package to enhance nutrient availability and nutrient uptake while building microbial and soil health. We began conducting research studies on high value crops under the research code names: BR, or RGA, and later the product was named Detonation or Intensify. This family of synergistic microbes colonized in the root zone which enhances the overall “Nutrient Delivery System.”

Our research on Detonation showed the essential role that soil microbes have in the soil and to the plant. Microbes are the biological catalyst to repair soil health, improve nutrient availability, and to enhance water and nutrient efficiencies. Due to the continued use of conventional fertilizer and pest control products, the soil microbial nutrient delivery system is being negatively impacted due to conventional practices. Plus, this conventional program approach was also having long term negative impacts on soil structure and organic content. This translates into a continued decline of soil and microbial health (in what ways, I would add a direct example).

To reverse this declining microbial trend, Detonation was added to these conventional agronomic programs to build and enhance soil microbial populations. The following research studies show the overall benefits of using Detonation regarding a range of application methods, timing, rates and frequency. With increasing environmental regulations on fertilizer and pest control usage, Detonation offers an excellent new agronomic tool for crop and soil management. Detonation will enhance the performance of other conventional agronomic products and programs. Listed below are the research findings for Detonation/Intensify a variety of crops plus a more detailed summary of each study.

CITRUS

A multi-year research project was launched in Florida to examine the benefits of applying the Detonation probiotic package to citrus trees infected by the disease Huanglongbing (HLB). This disease has no known cure and has devastated over 400,000 acres of citrus in Florida. This bacterial disease infects the root system and travels systemically through the tree’s vascular system. It simply plugs up the vascular system, prohibiting the tree from receiving water and nutrients. This disease destroys the tree by starving the tree of water and nutrients. The tree goes through several stages of decline until it finally dies. This research study was done to determine the impact Detonation has on infected trees regarding slowing this declining the disease cycle

Research Findings: Detonation does not cure the already established disease but does slow the decline process extending the life of the tree. The Detonation applications helped increase root growth, increasing nutrient and water to these diseased trees. The results concluded that trees infected with this disease would still produce new growth, continue good flower and fruit set, reduce fruit drop, and raise Brix values. These growth benefits translated into increased yields on these diseased trees. Hence, citrus growers could maintain a profitable level of fruit production with trees that are infected.

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ALFALFA

This trial on alfalfa was at two dairy farms in Western NY to evaluate if Solu-Cal S would impact yield and forage quality. Solu-Cal S Enhanced Gypsum is a finely ground gypsum product including Detonation or Intensify impregnated onto the product. The goal was to assess ways to help farmers find ways to produce as much protein with high quality forage as possible. The research was to focus on dairy economics and helping dairy farmers manage feed quality and produce milk more profitably. Given the inflated cost of soy meal (a common protein addition for dairy feed), higher protein yields will help farmers receive increased ROI for their crops and their final product.

Research Findings: The combination of Solu-Cal S with Intensify increased overall alfalfa yield by 3.3 tons per acre. In addition, the crop protein value increased which reduced the necessary purchase of supplemental soy protein meal for dairy feed. The increased yield and the additional protein value translated into a ROI of $251 per acre.

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APPLE

A multi-year research project was launched to examine the benefits of applying the Solu-Cal or Intensical-L to Honey Crisp Apples verses the Grower Standard. Per the Solu-Cal Plus, this is a combination of premium quality calcium and Intensify probiotic. This was applied at the rate of 200 lb/Ac as a broadcast application. Per the Intensical-L, this a liquid calcium and Intensify product. This was applied at 1.5 gallons/Ac banded into the tree row. Each treatment was completed in 4 variations to account for field variability. Results have been averaged to provide an accurate assessment of the results. At harvest, the bushels per acre were recorded. Plus, the calcium fruit level was checked midseason and at harvest.

Research Findings: Based off number of 20-bushel bins harvested per acre averaged for each treatment, the results found an increase in yield for both the Solu-Cal Plus and Intensical-L over the Grower Standard. For the Solu-Cal, the yield increase was + 64 bushels per acre; and the Intensical-L was + 56 bushels per acre. This was a ROI for Solu-Cal of $1,111.50 per acre. For Intensical-L, it was $780.40 per acre. In addition, the fruit weight for the 2 Solu-Cal product treatment were higher than the Grower Standard. The Grower Standard fruit weight averaged 163 grams. The Solu-Cal-L fruit weight averaged 175.5 grams and the Intensica-L fruit weight averaged 168.4 grams.

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CORN

For corn, there were 2 trials – 2018 was a sweet corn trial in Iowa; and in 2022 there was a field corn trial in New Jersey. In both trials, there were several agronomic benefits in both yield, crop health and soil microbial life. The 2018 trial, Detonation (Intensify) was applied at the time of planting and again 4 weeks later. For the 2022, Intensify (Detonation) was applied either as a banded soil drench at planting or applied at planting using a 2 x 2 planting method.

Research Findings: Regarding the 2018 sweet corn trial, the yield increase was 16.9 bushels per acre over the control. This was an 8.15% increase. This increase in yield was due to the increase microbial activity in the soil from Detonation. Detonation enhances the soil nutrient and water delivery system which increased yields. Regarding the 2022 field corn trial, Intensify increased soil nitrogen level which translated into a 3.5 bushel increase per acre. The major benefit was the substantial increase in the root mass that was treated with Intensify Soil Microbial BioCatalyst Concentrate (see photo). As corn planting populations increase per acre, the limiting yield factor is the root system to provide adequate water and nutrients to the corn. Research has shown that high planting population in corn can reduce yields due to poor root systems. The 2022 research demonstrated the benefit of using Intensify to promote rooting and increase yields.

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POTATO

Trial Protocol: For this potato plot trial, INTENSIFY (Detonation) was applied in row at 2 Gallons/Acre at planting. The following trial compares chipping potatoes treated with INTENSIFY vs. a non-treated control, all other growing factors and inputs were constant. Harvest digs composed of 3 repetitions in each treatment area, and the results from each dig were averaged to account for field variability. For the trial, crop yields were compared based on total weight and potato size quality. In addition, a drone using infrared
photos was used to record soil health quality.

Trial Results: The addition of INTENSIFY Soil Health Bio Catalyst significantly increased the overall number of potatoes harvested, and the size of the potatoes harvested (more #1 & #2). Of the larger potatoes harvested they had increased weight and diameter compared to the control. Increase yields and harvest larger potatoes with INTENSIFY Soil Health Bio Catalyst. In addition, the treated area of plot shows a dark green color – see infrared photo. This is representative of the increased in microbial life depicting an
increase in soil health.

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TOMATOES AND PEPPERS

The tomato and pepper trails were duplicated at 3 separate locations in South Carolina, Florida and Pennsylvania. The trial was established to evaluate the rooting, disease pressure and yield benefits of adding Intensify or Intensify Plus to these fields. These products were either band spray in the row or applied to granular Solu-Cal Plus calcium product for application.

Research Findings: Per the Florida trials, Detonation treated tomato plants showed an increase in fruit set by 44% over grower standard and a 40% increase in weight for Detonation treated vs. grower standard. Marketable fruit increased by 54% with a marketable weight increase of 44%.

Tomatoes treated with Detonation at a South Carolina farm had significantly larger stem diameter and significant yield increases per acre compared to the Grower Standard tomatoes. The stem diameter was twice the size compared to the control plants. Yield results were 36% increase over control and 50% increase over a competitive biological program. Peppers treated with Detonation showed 16% increase with a 50% increase in weight for Detonation treated over grower’s standard. The marketable fruit increased by10% . In addition, the visual disease observations showed that the Detonation treated fields matched the disease level of the chemically treated fields.

These results were similar with the tomato and pepper trials at Hersey Research Farm in Pennsylvania. Per the Hersey trial, Detonation treated tomato plants showed an increase in fruit set by 18% over grower standard and a 33% increase in higher quality tomatoes for Detonation treated vs. grower standard. Pepper treated with Detonation showed 13% increase with Detonation treated over grower’s standard. The marketable quality of fruit increased by 23%. Like the South Carolina trial, the visual disease observation showed that the Detonation treated fields was lower over the grower’s standard.

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OTHER VEGETABLES

Regarding seeded vegetable crops, Detonation was applied as a soil drench to seeded cabbage and potato greenhouse trays planted in soilless growing media. The trial was established to see any visual impact in growth and rooting to these trays for these crops. Detonation was applied as a drench to these trays at time of planting.

Research Findings: Detonation applied as a seed treatment delivered larger plants with an increased root system. With these vegetable crops being later planted in the field, Detonation delivered a larger, stronger plant that reduced transplant shock. Stronger plants will encourage more initial, rapid growth when moved into the field. These larger plants will establish faster which will translate to fewer agronomic problems and produce more fruit yields.

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BLUEGRASS

The purpose of this trial is to quantify the effect of Detonation on the turf density & growth, turf color and the impact on the soil biology. Per the trials, each plot was applied the same analysis granular fertilizer with a 4:1:2 ratio. This is an ideal ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus and potassium for healthy turf growth. For the check plots, the applied rate was higher at 1.0 lbs. of N/M, whereas the Detonation plots were 0.8 lb. of N/M. The lower application rate was due to Detonation’s enhanced microbial delivery system. Detonation microbial delivery system improves nutrient availability, efficiency, and uptake. The research trial measured clipping weights, color, and soil biological activity.

Research Findings: Detonation delivered a higher performance quality turf over the traditional chemical fertilizer control. Detonation improved turf density and growth, turf color, and increased nutrient reserves while using 20% less fertilizer. This growth translated into 18%+ increased growth and density using less fertilizer when compared to the control plot. The Detonation tissue analysis indicates a 32% increase in nitrogen uptake. This was based on tissue nitrogen levels in the shoot. This nitrogen level translated to better overall turf color, wear, and stress tolerance. The Detonation plots had an increased microbial levels by 4 logs. This is an increase of 10,000 times compared tithe control plot. As microbial levels increase, nutrient reserves increase in the soil promoting soil health and turf quality. With more environmental regulations that restrict the amount and timing of fertilizer usage, Detonation provides a means to reduce fertilizer amounts without jeopardizing the turf quality and soil health.

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OTHER ORNAMENTAL PLANTS

Regarding container grown ornamental plants, Detonation was applied as a soil drench to newly planted horticultural potted container plants. This included Anthurium, Long Leaf, Orchids, Pines, and Asparagus Ferns. The trial was to evaluate any visual impact in growth and rooting to these container-grown plants. Detonation was applied as a drench to these pots at time of planting or was applied as a root dip.

Research Findings: Detonation was applied as a bare root dip or as a soil drench to container grown ornamental plants at planting. Detonation provided the stimulus to promote earlier initial root and top growth. The visual response was a larger plant with an increased root system verses the control containers over the period of the trial. If transplanted into the field, these plants treated with Detonation establish quicker, and can be harvested in less time. If container-grown, these plants have a larger root system that offers better shelf life at retail outlets, and overall increased plant vigor.

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RESEARCH SUMMARY OVERVIEW

Soil health has a major impact on plant stresses that can impact crop yields or landscape plant quality or aesthetic value. Detonation and Intensify build soil microbial life that reduces nutrient and water requirements. This helps to reduce overall input costs.

Detonation and Intensify adds the “Power of Nature” to a crop, turf, and ornamental plant management program. Detonation and Intensify is a microbial “First Aid” for soil health by restoring microbial soil life that enhances nutrient and water availability. Detonation and Intensify is a simple biological solution to enhance and integrate into your total agronomic program.

Years of research has confirmed the biological benefits of using Detonation or Intensify for its agronomic benefits to build soil health, enhance microbial populations and increase crop yields.

BENEFITS:

  • Enhances nutrient solubility and availability of inorganic nutrients.
  • Enhanced nutrient mineralization and availability of organic nutrients.
  • Enhanced nutrient mineralization of nutrients locked in the soil.
  • Promotes plant rooting and growth to increase crop yields.
  • Promotes nutrient retention.
  • Promotes nitrogen fixation from atmospheric nitrogen.
  • Increased stress tolerance (temperature extremes, high salinity & traffic).
  • Improves water retention and soil aggregation & structure.