®

WHAT IS GROZYME?GroZyme is a complex of fermentation products and trace

minerals which improves plant growth and increases yields.

It is non-toxic, non-irritating and environmentally safe.

In the period 1983-1996, over 100 replicated studies

have been performed on major crops in 11 states. Research

cooperators have indicated that GroZyme and its predecessor

AgroPlus have enhanced yields on the crop groups noted

below. Soils of low to moderate nutrient levels seem to be

the most responsive.

In many soils, indigenous or “natural” levels of soil nitrogen

cannot support the soil-plant system sufficiently for GroZyme

to show an effect. An immediate supply of nitrogen at 40 lb/A

to 120 lb/A appears necessary to induce the responsiveness

of most crops to GroZyme. Nitrogen applications over

these levels may produce no yield enhancement. Excessive

nutrient application may produce yield decreases in some

soils. Furthermore, soil organic matter levels should be at

least 1.0% for best results.

GROZYME: OUR FOUNDERGroZyme is a proprietary formulation

developed by the late Dr. David

Zimmerman, Founder of AgroPlus, Inc.

Our products are state of the art bio-

stimulants which are yield enhancers

and soil nitrogen utilization boosters.

Over the last twenty years, great strides

have been made in understanding how

we can use natural bacteria in nature

to help increase components in soil

that “naturally” occur, thus increasing

crop yields without harming our

environment. These processes help

reduce synthetic use of nitrates;

reducing potential pollution of our

water tables from run off into our lakes,

rivers, and streams.

WHAT IS GROZYME?

A complete soil analysis should

precede nutrient recommendation and

GroZyme application, and consultation

with local authorized distributors is

recommended prior to GroZyme use.

Research indicates that the products

should be incorporated, applied in-

furrow, or sidedressed (injected)

for best results. Optimum rates,

application methods and fertilization

management are reviewed annually

and updated through inputs from the

research program.

Summarizing yield results gained

through use of currently recommended

procedures, the mean yield increase

on all crops is 12.2%, with increases

averaging:

12.7% in corn

22.9% in edible beans

17.9% in onions

7.6% in potatoes

5.0% in sorghum

10.7% in soybeans

6.2% in sugar beets

8.3% in sweet corn

24.4% in tomatoes

15.5% in wheat.

One specific mode of action for GroZyme has been

clearly defined. GroZyme increases the rate of nitrogen

mineralization from soil organic matter. This release of

nitrogen decreases the need for nitrogen fertilizer input

through:

1) Regulating soil microbial populations and their

activity.

2) Mobilizing nitrogen bound in soil organic

matter.

3) Enhancing root growth and consequently,

access to moisture and nutrients.

Thus, the products appear to improve the efficiency of

nitrogen supply, uptake and utilization in the plant-soil

system. Generally, less nitrogen is required to grow a crop

when GroZyme treatment is included in the management

program. In fact, studies to date indicate that GroZyme

may release 40 lb/A to 80 lb/A of soil nitrogen. Therefore,

GroZyme appears to be of significant value in reducing both

nitrogen inputs and the cost of producing a crop. Preliminary

studies also indicate that in some cases GroZyme may reduce

the amount of nitrate reaching groundwater and water

bodies when used in a program of conscientious and cost-

effective nitrogen fertilization. There are also indications

that use of GroZyme with low to moderate rates of nitrogen

may enhance crop residue decomposition and therefore

soil organic matter content and cation exchange capacity.

GroZyme may thus be of considerable value in both residue

decomposition and in soil rehabilitation efforts.

®

PLANT-SOIL INTERACTIONSIn earlier discussions it has been speculated that GroZyme

treatment stimulates soil microbiological activity and that the

process is moderated by soil nitrogen levels. It appears that the

mechanism is more complex than was first supposed. It now

seems more accurate to state that GroZyme appears to enhance

soil microbial activity. The critical threshold theory applied to

the response of soil microbes to residual and applied nitrogen is

still apt. Comparing treated to untreated soils, soil nitrate levels

significantly affect soil microbial numbers and activity. Available

nitrate threshold levels above 30 ppm appear to be necessary

in fallow soils. In supporting a crop, a nitrate constituency

above 15 ppm seems necessary for GroZyme treatment to elicit

a response. In commercial applications, soil testing should

precede GroZyme application in order to determine rates of

fertilizer nitrogen to ensure proper response.

GroZyme treatment enhances numbers of aerobic bacteria

upward under conditions of nitrogen sufficiency. Where

sufficient nitrogen is present, soil organisms appear to

mineralize soil organic matter and release nitrogen at a greater

rate in GroZyme treated soils. In the corn treatment group,

significant decreases in soil organic matter resulted where

GroZyme was applied. Of course, soil microbes and higher

plants compete for nitrogen and continue to do so as long as

oxidizable carbon compounds remain. Why the oxidation is

greater in GroZyme-treated soils is not completely clear.

Nevertheless, in the presence of plants and moderate levels

of nitrogen and GroZyme, soil organic matter is metabolized

more quickly than the untreated group. It is reasonable to

assume that the resulting increase in soil nitrogen with GroZyme

treatment was responsible for significantly increasing plant

weight by day 56.

CONCLUSIONSWhen applied to the soil at

recommended rates, bio-stimulants can:

• Alter microbial communities in the soil,

• Speed the decomposition and mineralization of nitrogen from organic materials,

• Enhance the availability of nitrogen for plant uptake

• Influence plant growth.

* The organic approved version of GroZyme complies with the standards of Organic Certifiers and contains only ingredients approved under the USDA National Organic Program. It is sold under the names GroZyme OA and GroZyme OA Micronutrient Spray and is approved for the use of organic crop production.

®

OA