Biocat 1000

Chandler Biocat 1000 jug

A liquid enzyme product applied directly on crop residue after harvest

Apply Chandler Biocat 1000 for faster and more complete decomposition of crop residue, especially heavy stalks from Bt corn. Make more nutrients available for the next crop, and leave fewer places for chemical carryover, insects, and bacterial and fungal diseases like Goss’s wilt to harbor. Biocat 1000 also decays drop corn ears and dormant weed seeds so you have less volunteer corn and other weeds in your fields.

Are you recycling the nutrients from your residue?

Boost your bottom line biologically.

Chandler Biocat 1000

  • Liquid enzyme product applied to post-harvest residue
  • Multiplies beneficial fungus and other microbes that decay cellulose and lignin
  • Net value of additional NPK and S released from corn stalks in the fall is typically $24 per acre or more
  • Decayed residue causes fewer problems with residue-borne diseases, volunteer corn, weeds, and tillage and planting equipment
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How does Biocat 1000 work?

Biocat 1000 accelerates the decomposition of crop residue by stimulating the growth of the beneficial bacteria, fungi, and other organisms that break down organic compounds in the soil. It initially works to decay the cellulose on the inside of corn stalks and other plant residue. The outer shell of the plant residue is left as soil cover to reduce wind and water erosion.

Later, Biocat 1000 enhances decomposition of the lignin in the outer shell of the stalk, and the remaining crop residue is easily handled by planting or tillage equipment. Biocat 1000 also releases nutrients in the residue for use by the next crop and helps to build humus and organic matter in the soil.

What ingredients are in Biocat 1000?

Biocat 1000 contains trace amounts of several micronutrients as well as natural humates from organic compounds, including enzymes, amino acidd and B-complex vitamins. These natural compounds are designed to support the growth and multiplication of the beneficial microbe colonies that decompose crop residues and other organic materials. The nutrients are chelated with citric acid and partially hydrolized vegetable protein to increase bonding of the minerals, prevent nutrient tie-up and improve nutrient availability. The minimum guaranteed analysis of these ingredients is:

  • 3% water soluble magnesium
  • 3% sulfur
  • 2% zinc
  • 1% iron
  • 0.1% copper
  • 0.02% boron
  • 0.0005% molybdenum

Please note that these trace elements are included to support the biological life in the soil and are not intended as a direct source of nutrients for plants.

How do I apply Biocat 1000?

Biocat 1000 is non-toxic when used as recommended and may be applied in a tank mix with liquid fertilizers or pesticides for a one-pass application.
The recommended application rate depends on the type and amount of crop residue.  Apply Biocat 1000 with enough water to get adequate coverage of the residue, and we generally recommend 10-15 gallons of water per acre. You should also conduct a jar test of all new tank-mix combinations, and all other products should be diluted in water before adding Biocat 1000 to the sprayer tank.

What results can I expect from Biocat 1000?

Stalk decay begins

The outer shell of the corn stalks remains as cover for the no-till soybean field, but the standing stalk in the center of the photo is clearly decaying on the inside.  Note that direct soil contact is not required for decay to begin, and the decay microbes enter the residue at any break point.  Here, decay has started at the point where the snapping roll broke the corn stalk, which is several inches off the ground.

Breaking down the pith

The inside of the stalks are nearly hollow because the decay microbes break down the pith first, which reduces the habitat for fungal diseases and insects. The outer shell of the stalk takes longer to decay, so this material provides ground cover to reduce soil erosion early in the season.

Decayed residue is brittle

By mid-June, the remaining stalks are hollow, and the outer shell of the stalks are thinner and more brittle. Little pressure is required to shatter the decayed residue, which will not cause problems for tires, planter openers, or tillage equipment.  At this point, the residue is almost fully decomposed and has released most of its nutrients back to the soil for the next crop.

Cobs also decay

Treated

Untreated

The treated cobs also decay from the inside first, and they become brittle and break apart over time.  The cobs in these pictures were taken from a soybean field that had corn the previous year.  The corn stalks in half of the field were sprayed with 16 ounces of Biocat 1000 in the fall, and the stalks in the other half of the field were not treated.  Here, the treated cob on the left is hollow and breaks apart in your hand, but the untreated cob on the left is still hard and nearly intact, even 10 months after the corn was harvested.

Kernel decay follows

In corn fields treated with Biocat 1000, most of the kernels on dropped ears are decomposed and cannot germinate to cause volunteer corn problems.

For More Information

For more information on Chandler Biocat 1000, call (309) 659-7773 or e-mail info@midwestbioman.com.