You asked, We Answered!
We had an overwhelming amount of interest following our Spring Starts With Soileos Webinar. So we brought back renowned expert Dr. Rigas Karamanos to take a deeper dive into what matters most this season.
From soil nutrient dynamics to micronutrient deficiency, here are some the the key questions you asked:
Q: How does soil type impact fertilizer needs, especially in gray wooded vs. prairie soils?
Question from grower in Vanderhoof, BC
A: Soil mineralogy plays a big role. Gray wooded soils have lower reserves and bioavailability of key minerals like feldspars and micas, which means potassium—and sometimes phosphorus—availability is lower than in prairie soils.
Where Soileos fits: Soileos’ sustained nutrient release is well suited for soils with limited nutrient reserves. It delivers micronutrients like zinc gradually, supporting season-long availability in challenging soils.
Q: Does too much phosphorus interfere with zinc uptake?
Question from grower in Manitoba
A: Yes, especially in crops like flax, peas, and wheat. High phosphorus can suppress mycorrhizal activity, which in turn reduces zinc uptake. It’s not a chemical tie-up, it’s a biological hurdle.
Where Soileos fits: By interacting with the soil microbiome, Soileos helps restore balance. Its design supports nutrient release as microbial activity increases, working with—not against—soil and crop’s biology.
Q: What’s the best form of micronutrients—dry, liquid, or foliar?
Question from Agronomist in North-East, SK
A: It depends on your goals. Liquids can be convenient but often have lower residual value due to small application rates. Dry forms at appropriate rates can provide long-lasting impact.
Where Soileos fits: Soileos delivers a dry, cellulose-based form of micronutrients with a built-in extended release. That means nutrients are available longer and more in tune with what the crop needs, when it needs it.
Q: What do I do if my soil tests show low zinc—even after applying it?
A: Check the rate, form, and placement. Small application rates or uneven spread patterns can create misleading results. Also, lab variability can influence readings.
Where Soileos fits: Because Soileos is applied uniformly in blends and becomes available through microbial processes, it supports better distribution and uptake over time.
Q: What makes Soileos different from sulfate or EDTA chelate products?
A:.Traditional sulfate and EDTA chelates can struggle with availability either to rapid leaching or nutrient tie-up. Soileos, on the other hand, delivers a sustained, biodegradable release, backed by research showing strong performance across crops and soil types.
Expert Support When You Need It
Not sure how Soileos fits into your fertility plan? Reach out to our experts today for tailored advice and support to make this spring your most successful yet.
Want The Full Story?
Watch the complete webinar or listen to the podcast episode below to catch every insight!