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A Microbial Application Program for High-Value Field Crops

This microbial program addresses most agronomic challenges in production agriculture when combined with a balanced fertility program.

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What it covers
A three-stage MetaGrow program — at planting, two weeks after emergence and six weeks after emergence — with per-acre rates and how to apply them.
Why it matters
It provides an extremely diverse range of microbes and microbial foods, applied with any irrigation equipment.
Who it’s for
Growers of high-value field crops, including conventional fields transitioning to regenerative or organic production.
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Timing at a glance

When this applies

High-value field crops, from planting through about six weeks after emergence, with an optional repeat of the third application 2 to 4 weeks later.

When to make the decision

Apply the first stage at planting, then time the next two from crop emergence: 2 weeks after emergence (MetaGrow F) and 6 weeks after emergence (MetaGrow G).

What it’s designed to support

An extremely diverse range of microbes and microbial foods in place through early crop development, working alongside a balanced fertility program.

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How to apply

Products can be applied with any irrigation equipment. Tank mix the products and apply them within 24 hours. If a tank mix cannot be used up within 24 hours, provide aeration to keep the microbes alive.

The program (amounts per acre)

  1. At planting

    • 0.4–0.5 gal MetaGrow 5X+
    • 0.5 lb MetaGrow CFood
    • 2 gal Pacific Gro Oceanic

  2. 2 weeks after emergence

    Apply by irrigation or side dress

    • 2 gal MetaGrow F
    • 0.5 lb MetaGrow CFood
    • 2 gal Pacific Gro Oceanic

  3. 6 weeks after emergence

    Apply by irrigation

    • 2 gal MetaGrow G
    • 0.5 lb MetaGrow CFood
    • 2 gal Pacific Gro Oceanic
    • Optional: 2 lb/acre seaweed — preferably a balanced auxin and cytokinin product. It provides food for the glucans microbes and stimulates rooting and reproduction.

  4. In some situations

    • Repeat the third application 2 to 4 weeks later.

Organic and transitioning fields

Key takeaways

  • Three stages: at planting (MetaGrow 5X+), 2 weeks after emergence (MetaGrow F) and 6 weeks after emergence (MetaGrow G).
  • Feed each stage with 0.5 lb/acre MetaGrow CFood and 2 gal/acre Pacific Gro Oceanic.
  • Tank mix and apply within 24 hours, or aerate the tank to keep the microbes alive.
  • The program works with any irrigation equipment and pairs with a balanced fertility program.
Original SGS resource

Microbe Program for Field Crops

This page is adapted from the SGS PDF “Microbe Program for Field Crops”, which remains the technical reference. The 1-page original is available to download, print and share.

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Related SGS products

Product availability and labels differ by state. See California products and products in other states.

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Microbe Knowledge Base Application Guidance

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