Biology: The Foundation
to Results
Soybeans are unique among row crops in their capacity to fix atmospheric nitrogen, but only when the right microbial environment exists in the root zone. The ISS Soybean Program is built around maximizing biological activity at every stage: from seed treatment that ensures aggressive nodulation, through in-furrow and foliar applications timed to the plant's most yield-determining windows.
Nodulation is the highest-leverage biological event in soybean production. When rhizobium populations are strong and carbon energy is available in the root zone, nodule formation is faster, larger, and more persistent. The ISS program uses Originate ST seed treatment alongside SG Surge, a combination of live microbes, sugars, and carbon formulations, to create ideal conditions for nodulation from day one. Stronger nodulation means more N₂ fixed, more pounds of nitrogen available to the crop without additional synthetic input, and a more resilient plant heading into reproductive stages.
The Right Nutrients,
at the Right Time
The soybean plant's needs shift significantly at reproduction. From R1 through R5, the plant simultaneously develops pods, sets seed count, and fills beans, all while managing heat, drought, or disease pressure. A soybean that enters reproductive stages nutritionally deficient or stressed cannot fully recover lost yield potential. The ISS foliar program sequences products to match these shifting demands: SG Surge and Row Crop Blend in early vegetative stages, followed by SG Advance, Shift, and SG ReLEAF through the critical R1–R5 window.
Stress mitigation is the third pillar of the ISS soybean approach. SG ReLEAF contains compounds that increase intracellular CO₂ and provide multiple modes of action against physical, mechanical, and environmental stress. When applied alongside fungicide passes at R2–R3, it extends canopy function, maintains leaf area index, and lengthens the pod fill window, all of which translate directly to more bushels per acre.
What the Program Delivers
Stronger Nodulation
Biological seed treatment and in-furrow biology maximize rhizobium activity for superior nitrogen fixation.
Flower Retention
Early foliar nutrition and stress mitigation products reduce flower abortion during heat and dry spells.
Pod Fill Enhancement
Stage-timed foliar applications at R3–R5 extend grain fill duration and maximize seed size.
Stress Resilience
Multi-mode stress mitigation compounds protect yield potential through late-season heat, drought, and disease.
"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.
Seed Treatment
Originate ST
Biological seed treatment coating each seed with a diverse consortium of growth-promoting and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Establishes rhizobium populations in the seed zone for rapid, aggressive nodulation after germination.
In-Furrow at Planting
SG Surge
Live microbe inoculant with fermentable sugars and carbon formulations. Encourages strong root development and nodulation from emergence. Can also be used as an early foliar to extend nodule activity.
SG Assist
Carbon and energy source designed to establish and sustain soil microbiology, maximize root growth, and support mycorrhizal development. Builds the biological infrastructure the soybean needs for efficient nutrient cycling.
Early Foliar
SG Surge
Reapplied as a foliar at early vegetative stages to support continued nodule development and set the plant up for a stronger transition into reproductive growth.
Row Crop Blend
Micronutrient, sugar, stress-relief, and bio-stimulant blend targeting the vegetative-to-reproductive transition. Builds nutrient reserves the plant will draw on at flowering.
SG Elements Balance
Chelated micronutrient package (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Mo, Co) that corrects subtle deficiencies invisible to tissue testing until yield is already compromised.
Reproductive Foliar
SG Advance
Balanced N-P-K macronutrient foliar with a micronutrient complex and carbon sources. Provides the broad nutritional base the plant needs to sustain pod set and grain fill simultaneously.
Shift
Photosynthesis-boosting organic acid, sugar, and carbon compound blend. Maximizes the plant's energy production capacity during the most energy-demanding phase of seed fill.
SG ReLEAF
Multi-mode stress mitigation product with intracellular CO₂-enhancing compounds. Maintains canopy function and pod fill rate under heat and drought stress. Ideal in fungicide passes.
SG Expand
Kelp biostimulant — Expand FS formulation applied at reproductive stages targets fruit and grain development, maximizing pod set and seed fill.
