ZyPro (Helena Ag)

Zypro is an enzymatic based soil amendment that maximizes nutrient uptake that increases yield potential by improving root growth. Zypro complements fertilizer additives and is a biological catalyst for nutrient absorption using VersaShield® Formulation Technology. It optimizes the soil microbial community to help produce a stress-resistant plant. Zypro is more compatible with fertilizers and pesticides than microbial products, and it starts working immediately, for up to 60 days.

Characteristics

• True catalyst of biological processes in soil
• Complements fertilizer additives
• Kickstarts strong root growth
• Optimizes soil microbial community
• Boosts nutrient uptake
• Helps produce a stress-resistant plant
• Helps improves plant growth & yield
• Patented formulation technology provides enzyme compatibility with fertilizers, fungicides & insecticides
• Stabilizes enzymes for activity in the harsh soil environment
• Starts working immediately & disperses through soil to provide maximum effect to the active root zone
• Stabilizes enzymes for season-long benefit
• Creates formulation longevity

Zypro soil amendment is now labeled for sidedress applications.

In research trials in corn, Helena says Zypro in a sidedress application provided an 83% win rate and a 5.8 bu/acre increase. Zypro is compatible with fungicides, insecticides, and other common tank-mix partners.

“We’ve been testing this application of Zypro for several years because we know a lot of row crop farmers rely on side-dress as a way to efficiently deliver nitrogen early in the season,” says Mike Powell, Senior Brand Manager of BioScience with Helena Products Group. “By adding Zypro, you’re not only placing fertilizer in the right place at the right time, but you’re also using enzyme technology to create a more productive soil environment. This has a direct impact on how effective your roots are at feeding the growing crop.

In trials across the Midwest since 2018, Helena has averaged a 4 bushel per acre yield advantage and 75 percent win rate in corn and soybeans with protected enzymes from Zypro. It’s an improvement Dr. Greg Willoughby, Helena Technical Service Manager based in Indiana, credits to the benefits of applying Zypro’s stabilized enzymes in-furrow or as close to the seed as possible.

“What you’re going to see out of it is a larger root mass, better emergence, standability and early-season vigor, and more phosphorus moving into the plant,” says Dr. Willoughby.

Root growth is key in setting the tone for the season. From accessing water to pulling in more nutrients, the better they start, the more effective root systems are at feeding the growing crop. Having a higher concentration of nutrients further into the season leads to higher yields, making it vital to increase the amount of phosphorus (P) around the root zone early, according to Dr. Willoughby.

“The first thing the crop does with phosphorus is push it to expand root mass,” says Dr. Willoughby. “By making phosphorus more available through the phospholipase enzyme in Zypro, we’re achieving more root growth because it's releasing more P into the root zone.”

This activity provides an excellent way for farmers using a manure system to take full advantage of the organic phosphorus they’re applying. In conventional fertilizer systems, Dr. Willoughby suggests a proper starter, with a strong source of zinc in corn, plus Zypro. He says the benefits of protected enzymes extend beyond just corn and soybean acres to crops like potatoes and sugar beets as well. Just remember, it’s the formulation that matters.

“If you were to apply normal enzymes to the soil environment, they would last up to a week at most,” says Brad Hammes, Helena Product Specialist based in Iowa. “What sets Zypro apart is the VersaShield Formulation Technology that extends the benefits of the enzymes.”

Zypro has been used on over four million acres since its introduction in 2018. In addition to side-dress, Zypro can be applied through drip or flood irrigation and in-furrow applications.