In the realm of agricultural solutions, distinguishing between synthetic and biological products is crucial for making informed decisions. Soltellus™ Polymer, a multifunctional, biodegradable polymer, stands out as an engineered product with unique benefits that differentiate it from its biological counterparts.
Soltellus is a polymer based on polyaspartate. One can think of the polymer as a chain of the amino acid, aspartic acid. Biological products are natural organisms such as bacteria, fungi, or plant extracts, and may contain living organisms. Soltellus is produced from a naturally occurring amino acid and then engineered into a biodegradable polymer with strong chelating properties for nutrient retention in the soil. The biodegradability of Soltellus separates it into a different polymer class over the nonbiodegradable polymers like polyacrylates and EDTA, which are commonly used in slow-release fertilizer blends.
Soltellus operates primarily through chemical interactions within the soil and plants. Its unique mechanism involves several key processes:
Soltellus improves nutrient availability and efficiency by binding with essential nutrients, making them more accessible to plants over an extended period. This is achieved through its chelating properties, which allow Soltellus to form complexes with metal ions in the soil. By chelating these ions, Soltellus prevents them from forming insoluble compounds that plants cannot absorb. Instead, the chelated nutrients remain in a soluble form that plants can readily uptake.
In addition to its nutrient-enhancing properties, Soltellus contributes to improved soil health. Soltellus promotes ALL microbial activity, which is vital for optimum nutrient cycling and soil fertility. Studies have shown that Soltellus activates soil microorganisms up to 14 days earlier than naturally occurs. Most biological products only contain 4-8 specific species of bacteria or fungi; however, Soltellus has been shown to increase in both species abundance and soil biodiversity. Enhanced microbial activity leads to better nutrient breakdown and assimilation, supporting overall plant health. Unlike nonbiodegradable polymers, Soltellus breaks down naturally and completely, reducing environmental impact and contributing to a healthier soil ecosystem.
Soltellus also improves water quality by chelating calcium and magnesium ions in hard water, which reduces scale buildup in irrigation or greenhouse applications. By preventing the formation of scale and other mineral deposits, Soltellus helps maintain the integrity of irrigation systems and other agricultural equipment, contributing to more efficient water use.
Soltellus is highly versatile in its agricultural applications. It can be mixed with fertilizers, applied directly to soil or plants, and used in a variety of environmental conditions without the specificity often and special handling required by many biological products. Biological products may need specific conditions to be effective, such as particular pH levels or temperature ranges that support the survival and efficacy of their microbial contents.
While both Soltellus and biological agricultural products aim to enhance plant growth and soil health, they do so through different means. Soltellus utilizes chemical interactions based on its amino acid, polyaspartate composition, whereas biological products rely on living organisms to achieve similar goals. Understanding these differences can help in selecting the right product for specific agricultural needs, ensuring both efficiency and effectiveness in enhancing plant health and soil quality.