Biology: The Foundation
to Results
Corn consistently demands one of the highest nutrient loads of any row crop, yet a significant portion of what's applied at planting never reaches the plant at the right time. The ISS Corn Program takes a systems approach, starting with biological soil treatment at planting, addressing residue breakdown before the growing season, and layering in targeted foliar applications precisely when the plant's yield potential is being set.
In-furrow biology is the foundation. Placing beneficial microorganisms and available phosphorus directly in the seed zone at planting accelerates early root development and stand establishment. A robust root system built in the first two to three weeks directly correlates with the plant's ability to access water and nutrients during critical growth stages, particularly at V6 through V10 when ear row number and potential kernel rows are determined. Our SG 7-25-5 starter provides immediately available phosphorus with a low salt index that is safe on seed, while Originate ST coats the seedling with a microbial consortium that promotes vigorous germination and early root mass.
The Right Nutrients,
at the Right Time
Nitrogen efficiency is one of the biggest economic levers in corn production. Carbon-based biologicals in the ISS program support active nitrogen cycling in the root zone, helping keep nitrogen in plant-available form longer and reducing losses to volatilization and leaching. Producers who pair ISS biology with their existing fertility program often reduce applied nitrogen without sacrificing yield, and in many cases, improve it.
The foliar phase addresses what the soil alone cannot supply fast enough. Corn in the V3 to tassel window has a narrow timeline for micronutrient uptake that directly affects photosynthetic capacity, pollination, and ultimately test weight. The ISS Row Crop Blend and SG Elements Balance deliver chelated micronutrients (boron, manganese, zinc, copper, and molybdenum) alongside bio-stimulants and stress relief compounds that keep the plant metabolically active under heat, drought, and disease pressure. Residue management rounds out the system: SG Accelerate applied to stalks jumpstarts biological decomposition, returning carbon and nutrients to the soil food web before the next crop.
What the Program Delivers
Optimized Nitrogen Efficiency
Carbon-based biologicals keep nitrogen cycling in the root zone longer, reducing losses and improving plant uptake.
Enhanced Stalk Strength
Foliar micronutrients and bio-stimulants build structural integrity from within, reducing lodging risk at harvest.
Improved Test Weight
Late-season foliar applications support grain fill and kernel density for superior test weight.
Residue Management
SG Accelerate breaks down corn stalks, releasing tied-up nutrients and reducing pathogen carryover.
"The biology goes in first, and the results shows up at harvest."
— ISS Agronomist
Program Phases & Products
Each phase layers onto the previous, building a complete biological and nutritional system from planting through the season.
Pre-Plant / Residue
SG Accelerate 50/50
Microbial and enzymatic residue decomposer — breaks down corn stalks, releases sequestered nutrients, feeds soil biology without tillage. Applied to residue or with pre-emerge herbicides.
In-Furrow at Planting
SG 7-25-5
Low-salt liquid starter fertilizer (7-25-5 N-P-K) with immediately available phosphorus. Safe on seed, promotes fast emergence and early root growth.
Originate ST
Biological seed treatment coating seedlings with a diverse consortium of growth-promoting bacteria. Enhances germination speed, root mass, and early stand establishment.
SG Compliment
Beneficial microbe inoculant designed for in-furrow application. Unlocks soil-bound nutrients and builds microbial diversity in the rhizosphere.
SG InFuze
All-in-one in-furrow product combining micronutrients, biology, and carbon energy. Ideal when tank capacity is limited.
Early Foliar
Row Crop Blend
Proprietary blend of essential micronutrients, fermentable sugars, stress-relief compounds, and bio-stimulants formulated for early-season grass crops. Targets the critical micronutrient demand window that determines maximum yield potential.
SG Elements Balance
Chelated micronutrient blend providing 2% B, 0.5% Cu, 0.25% Fe, 2% Mn, 2% Zn, 0.002% Mo, and 0.001% Co. Chelated form ensures plant uptake independent of soil pH or moisture conditions.
SG Expand
Proprietary kelp biostimulant blend. Expand RS targets root expansion in early vegetative stages; Expand FS shifts to supporting grain development later. Can be mixed with herbicide or fungicide passes.
Mid-Season Foliar
Shift
Photosynthesis-enhancing formula containing organic acids, fermentable sugars, and a complex of nitrogen, potassium, zinc, and carbon compounds. Increases plant energy levels and maximizes growth and health under stress.
SG ReLEAF
Multi-mode stress mitigation product. Contains compounds that increase intracellular CO₂ and buffer the plant against heat, drought, and mechanical stress. Ideal in any herbicide or fungicide pass.
