BeCrop Test

Understanding BeCrop Test and frequent questions

BeCrop® Test provides growers with a tool to evaluate the effect of agricultural practices and pinpoint variance in productivity from different crops and parcels. It also evaluates the risk of plant diseases, which allows for more accurate IPM programs and product applications. Lastly, it provides information about the impact of different product applications on the soil and which parcels might benefit the most from applications to boost soil microbiota.

What do can I use BeCrop Test for?

1. Monitors effects of new practices/applications on the biodiversity and functionality of the soil microbiome.
2. Short-term monitoring of microbial carbon fixing pathways.
3. Adjusts pest management programs by knowing which soil-borne pathogens are present and which ones are not at a particular point.
4. Measures terroir differences between parcels/plots with the microbiome acting as a biomarker.
5. Determines whether nutrient deficiencies are caused by a lack of nutrients in the soil or by a low microbial capacity to make nutrients available for plants.
6. Minimize risks: Get early intelligence on crop disease and soil deficiencies to target your prevention and remediation methods and address any issues with the appropriate solutions matching your soil profile.
7. Maximize Yields: Receive actionable recommendations on farming techniques to improve soil functions and crop yield.
8. Optimize Costs: Make more informed agricultural decisions based on the actual impact of farming practices and 
   ag inputs.

Who is BeCrop Test appropriate for?

BeCrop Test has been created especially for farmers and agronomists who want to find out what is happening in their soil and how it affects their crops.

What are the outcomes received? 

BeCrop Test provides a report in which the dimensions of Biodiversity, Health and Nutrition can be observed through functional data of the microorganisms inhabiting the soil microbiome. 

In addition, as a Biome Makers customer you will be granted access to BeCrop Portal, a proprietary software to perform sample-to-sample analysis and base your farming decisions on data.

How long I need to wait until I get the results?

Since the samples have arrived at our laboratory, you can expect your results within 2 to 6 weeks. The duration depends on the capacity of our facilities for sample processing. 

How many tests do I need?

We recommend 1 test for each management zone of any given crop. 

Example 1: If you’re growing corn and have 2 management zones, then we suggest getting 2 BeCrop Tests. Example 2: If you’re growing corn in 1 management zone and wheat in 2 management zones, then we recommend 3 BeCrop Tests.

What is a management zone?

Management zones are areas within a field that have similar yield potential. However, this similar performance can be due to a variety of different reasons, including soil type, elevation, and weather conditions within or between years. Because each zone responds differently to inputs, we recommend getting 1 test per zone.

What are the practical applications of the results?

BeCrop® provides growers with a tool to evaluate the effect of agricultural practices and pinpoint variance in productivity between different crops and parcels.

It also evaluates the risk of plant diseases, which allows for more accurate IPM programs and product applications. Lastly, it provides information about the impact of different product applications on the soil and which parcels might benefit the most from applications to boost soil microbiota.

Other practical applications are:

Analyze yield improvements

Access nutrient cycling

Predict diseases risks

Monitor farm practices