Soileos Blog

Meet Soileos Copper

Written by Devon Simpson | Sep 2, 2025 3:00:00 PM

A smarter way to keep copper available, and crops performing

Copper may be needed in small amounts, but its impact on crop performance is anything but minor.  In the field it plays a quiet yet crucial role in helping crops start strong, stand tall and defend themselves through the season. 

Yet despite its importance, copper deficiencies remain underdiagnosed and under-addressed, particularly in high pH or low organic matter soils where conventional sources are prone to leaching or tie up. For many growers, copper is one of the hardest nutrients to manage effectively.

Soileos Copper changes that by delivering a more stable, bioavailable source of copper that works with biology in your soil to meet the needs of your crop.

 

Why Copper Matters for Crop Development

Copper plays several vital roles in plant development:

  • It powers photosynthesis by helping move electrons within the chloroplast.
  • It strengthens plant structure  by supporting lignin formation, which builds sturdy stems and helps resist yield loss from diseases like ergot.
  • It activates enzymes  that regulate carbohydrates and protein metabolism.
  • It supports grain fill by improving pollen viability and reproductive success

 

When copper is lacking, crops may show delayed growth, reduced tillering, or poor seed set. Even if other nutrients are in place. (check out The Case for Micronutrient Balance to learn more.

 

The Challenges with Traditional Copper Fertilizers

Managing copper in the field isn’t always straightforward. Here’s why:

  • In coarse/sandy soils, copper can leach out of the root zone before crops can use it.
  • In high pH or organic rich soils, copper tends to bind tightly to soil particles (tie-up), making it unavailable for uptake.
  • Many sources release quickly, creating a mismatch between application timing and crop demand.

That means copper could technically be present in the soil, but still inaccessible to the crop, leading to lost yield potential without clear visual symptoms.

 

The Soileos Copper Advantage

Soileos Copper takes a different approach. It uses Lucent Bio’s patented cellulose-based platform to deliver copper in a way that aligns with crop uptake.

 

Here’s how it works:

  • Slow, biologically driven release: Copper is released through microbial mineralization, which means it’s made available as the plant roots need it. 
  • Seed Safe and easy to use: Designed for in-furrow or banded application, Soileos Copper fits right into your current crop nutrition program.
  • Blend ready and storage stable: Granular Soileos Copper integrates cleanly into dry fertilizer blends, maintaining flowability and reducing clumping (even through freeze-thaw cycles) for consistent application across the field 

 

Where It Fits

Soileos Copper is an ideal fit for:

  • Cereal crops like wheat, barley and oats, which are especially sensitive to copper deficiency.
  • Fields with high pH or low organic matter, where availability is often limited.
  • Growers following 4R practices who want to ensure micronutrients are applied at the right rate, time, source and place

 

Whether you’re addressing a known deficiency or looking to support overall plant health, Soileos Copper offers a more reliable and agronomically sound option.

 

Product Snapshot

Analysis 

0-0-6 with 5.5% Copper and 2% Sulfur

Form

Granular, bioactivated cellulose matrix for soil-applied micronutrient  delivery

Mode of Action

Microbially mediated release for season-long copper availability

Key Benefits

  • Maintains availability in high pH, sandy, or low OM soils
  • Resists leaching and tie-up
  • Enhances photosynthesis, grain fill, and disease resistance

Application method

In-furrow, banded, or broadcast

Compatibility

Blends easily with MAP, urea, and other dry fertilizers

Storage and Handling

Low-clumping, high-flowability formulation; stable through freeze-thaw cycles

Target Crops

Cereals, pulses, oilseeds

 

Want to learn more?

 

 

Ready to Grow Differently with Soileos Copper?