Biological Product Trials

Illustration of microbial inoculants on a soybean seed superimposed on a photo of a soybean field.

Summary of Biostimulant Trials

The NC State Soil Microbiome Extension team conducts field and greenhouse trials evaluating the performance and efficacy of microbial products (e.g., microbial seed treatments, microbial inoculants, biofertilizers) and other biostimulants (e.g., soil amendments). We test commercially available and research-formulation products in real world scenarios and conditions relevant to farmers and producers. The goal of this program is to provide robust, transparent, and unbiased research spanning North Carolina production environments.

Here you will find a table summarizing all of the trials we have conducted, and below you will find links to the detailed report for each trial. We hope this information will help you make informed decisions about your agricultural production systems!

Soil Microbiome Extension Program Trial Summary
Crop Product Location Year Environmental Conditions Sponsor
Soybean Microbial seed treatment Official Variety Testing (OVT) sites  2023 High production environment NC Soybean Producers Assocation
Soybean Microbial seed treatment Official Variety Testing (OVT) sites  2024 High production environment NC Soybean Producers Assocation
Soybean Microbial seed treatment Official Variety Testing (OVT) sites  2025 High production environment NC Soybean Producers Assocation
Cotton Microbial seed treatment & biostimulant soil amendments Hyde County 2025 Salt-impacted soils NC Cotton Producers Association
Butterhead lettuce Biofertilizer Greenhouse 2025 Potting soil Kula Bio

Disclaimer

The use of brand names and/or any mention or listing of specific commercial products or services herein is solely for educational purposes and does not imply endorsement by North Carolina State University or our partners, nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned.