Soltellus 101: A Basic Guide to Soltellus™ Polymer for Agriculture

Agriculture plays a critical role in sustaining the world’s growing population. As demand continues to rise, farmers are under increasing pressure to boost crop yields and productivity. At the same time, there is a growing consumer focus on environmental sustainability, pushing the agricultural industry to adopt practices that not only meet production demands but also protect and preserve the environment. To navigate these challenges, farmers must turn to innovative solutions that align with global sustainability efforts—solutions like Soltellus™ Polymer, a Lygos product designed to enhance agricultural practices.

What is Soltellus?

Soltellus is a biodegradable polymer that improves crop yields and enhances soil health. At the core of Soltellus is polyaspartate, a biodegradable polymer of the essential amino acid, aspartate, known for its ability to improve nutrient retention and availability in agricultural settings. Once in the soil, the naturally occurring bacteria and fungi break down and consume the polymer, which leads to a more active and abundant soil microbiome. This product offers farmers and agronomists a tool to increase productivity while reducing their environmental footprint.

The History of Soltellus

The development of Soltellus stems from a growing need in the agricultural industry to find sustainable alternatives to traditional fertilizers and soil amendments. Traditional agricultural practices often rely on non-biodegradable polymers, which can accumulate in the environment and cause long-term ecological damage. Recognizing this challenge, Lygos set out to create a solution that not only matches the performance of conventional products but also aligns with global sustainability goals.

Through extensive research and development, Lygos harnessed the unique properties of polyaspartate to create Soltellus. This product has been tested and proven to increase crop yields by up to 10% while providing a return on investment (ROI) of 3 to 6 times.

Application Methods in Agronomy

One of the standout features of Soltellus is its versatile application. Soltellus is water soluble and compatible with other agricultural products. At a recommended application rate of 1/2 gallon per acre, Soltellus can be applied in a variety of ways, giving farmers the power to choose the method that best suits their needs: 

In-Furrow Application

By applying Soltellus directly in-furrow at planting, farmers can ensure that the polymer is positioned where it can have the most significant impact—directly in the root zone. This application method is particularly effective for crops that benefit from early nutrient availability.

Side Dress Application

For crops that require additional nutrients during the growing season, Soltellus can be applied as a side dress. This method allows for targeted nutrient delivery at critical growth stages, helping to boost crop yields.

Broadcast Application

Soltellus can be applied to dry fertilizers and then applied using traditional broadcast methods, offering flexibility for large-scale operations. This method is suitable for a variety of crops and ensures uniform distribution across the field.

Irrigation Application

Soltellus can be effectively applied through irrigation systems, providing a seamless integration into existing farming practices. By delivering Soltellus directly through irrigation, farmers can take advantage of the water conditioning properties of Soltellus to reduce scale buildup in their irrigation systems.. 

2x2 Application

Soltellus can be applied using the 2x2 method, ensuring that the growing roots immediately access an enhanced nutrient environment, leading to stronger root development and improved plant health from the start. This method is particularly effective for crops that require an early nutrient boost to support robust growth.

Foliar Application

Soltellus can also be applied as a foliar spray, providing an immediate nutrient boost during critical growth stages. This application is especially useful for addressing nutrient deficiencies that may arise later in the season, ensuring crops maintain their health and productivity through harvest.

Benefits for Crops and Soil Health

Soltellus offers a multitude of benefits that go beyond traditional agricultural products, making it an invaluable asset for modern farming. Below, we explore the key advantages of using Soltellus in agronomy.

Increased Crop Yields

One of the most significant advantages of using Soltellus is its ability to substantially increase crop yields. Studies have shown that Soltellus can boost crop yields by up to 10%. 

Improved Nutrient Uptake

Soltellus helps plants absorb essential nutrients more efficiently by chelating metal ions and making them more bioavailable to plants. This results in stronger, healthier plants and better crop performance overall.

Enhanced Soil Health

The application of Soltellus contributes to improving soil health by increasing nutrient cycling activity and promoting microbial growth and abundance. Healthier soil leads to better water retention, improved nutrient uptake, and a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem.

Economic and Environmental Sustainability 

By reducing the need for non-biodegradable polymers and enhancing the efficiency of nutrient use, Soltellus helps farmers achieve their yield goals while minimizing environmental impact. The product's biodegradable nature ensures it does not contribute to long-term soil contamination. Moreover, the return on investment (ROI) of Soltellus is significant, ranging from 3 to 6 times the initial investment, making it a cost-effective solution for improving crop yields and soil health.

Conclusion

Soltellus is a comprehensive solution designed to meet the challenges of modern agriculture. By integrating Soltellus into agronomic practices, farmers can enhance their crop yields, improve soil health, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Whether used alone or in combination with other agricultural inputs, Soltellus represents the future of agronomy: efficient, effective, and environmentally friendly.