New Research Validates Microbial Tool for Healthier, Resilient Soils

ATLANTA, GA – January 07, 2026 – Agricultural biotechnology firm ProGro BIO has released findings from new, third-party research that substantiates the effectiveness of its flagship microbial soil inoculant, Rhizol®. The extensive study, involving over 1,000 soil samples analyzed by state-level agricultural authorities, confirms that the product significantly improves the soil's ability to retain essential nutrients, increases organic matter, and enhances nutrient uptake in crops.

These results provide scientific validation for what many farmers have reported from their own fields: stronger, more resilient soils and healthier crops. The data arrives at a critical time for the agricultural sector, as farmers grapple with volatile fertilizer costs, increasing regulatory scrutiny over nutrient runoff, and the growing demand for sustainable farming practices.

The Science of a Living Soil

The research, conducted by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA & CS) Agronomics Division, offers a detailed look at how Rhizol, a curated blend of 35 microbes, alters soil dynamics. The study focused on the “nutrient index,” a metric used to assess the likelihood of nutrients like phosphorus and potassium leaching from the soil and being lost to the environment. Higher index values signal a greater risk of nutrient loss, while lower values indicate nutrients are being held in the root zone where plants can access them.

Across numerous test plots, soils treated with Rhizol showed consistently lower nutrient index values after harvest compared to untreated soils. The post-harvest difference was particularly notable for key nutrients. For phosphorus, the treated soils showed an 11.18% greater reduction in the nutrient index compared to untreated plots. For zinc, the effect was even more pronounced, with a 20.47% greater reduction in the treated soils. This suggests that the microbial inoculant is effectively helping to lock nutrients in the soil, preventing them from washing away and becoming environmental pollutants.

Beyond nutrient retention, the study revealed a statistically significant increase in Humic Matter (HM%) in soils treated with Rhizol. Humic matter is a critical component of soil organic matter, acting as the foundation for soil fertility. It improves soil structure, enhances water retention, and increases the soil's capacity to store and supply nitrogen. This measurable improvement in organic matter points to a foundational enhancement of soil health, leading to land that is more productive and resilient to stressors like drought.

“Growers want products that prove themselves in the field, not just in a lab,” said Zach Lancaster, Director of Field Agronomy & Grower Relations at ProGro BIO, in a statement accompanying the release. “What this independent data shows is exactly what growers who integrate Rhizol in their operations are experiencing. Rhizol helps keep nutrients where they belong, strengthens soil function, and supports better in-season crop performance.”

Credibility in a Crowded AgTech Market

The findings are significant not only for their content but also for their source. In the rapidly expanding agricultural technology (AgTech) sector, where bold claims are common, validation from an independent, state-run entity like the NCDA & CS Agronomics Division lends considerable weight. This level of third-party verification helps differentiate scientifically-backed innovations from mere marketing hype, building trust with farmers who are often skeptical of new inputs.

The global market for agricultural microbials is booming, with some analysts projecting the related biofertilizers market to exceed $5 billion by 2028. This growth is fueled by a paradigm shift towards sustainable and regenerative agriculture. However, the effectiveness of microbial products can be variable, depending on soil type, climate, and competition with native microbes. ProGro BIO’s investment in large-scale, real-world trials—including a 2024 program spanning over 370 plots in 20 states—demonstrates a commitment to proving its product's consistency and reliability across diverse conditions.

Further analysis of plant nutrition, conducted by the independent lab Waypoint Analytical, reinforces the soil data. Plant tissue samples from crops grown in Rhizol-treated soils consistently showed higher concentrations of essential nutrients. This confirms that the improved nutrient retention in the soil translates directly into better nourishment for the plant, supporting everything from early-season vigor to final yield potential.

A Dual Solution for Profit and Planet

The research positions Rhizol as a tool that addresses two of the most pressing challenges in modern agriculture: economic viability and environmental stewardship. With fertilizer prices remaining high and market values for crops under pressure, maximizing the efficiency of every input is paramount. By improving the soil's ability to hold and deliver nutrients to the crop, Rhizol allows farmers to get more value from the fertilizers they apply.

Simultaneously, the product helps farmers meet tightening environmental regulations. Nutrient runoff from farms is a major contributor to water pollution in many regions, leading to stricter rules on fertilizer application. By reducing the mobility of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, microbial inoculants can be a key part of a farm's compliance and sustainability strategy.

Blake Young, CEO of ProGro BIO, highlighted this dual benefit. “Farmers are being asked to do more with less—protect their soils, reduce nutrient loss, and still deliver strong yields,” he stated. “Rhizol's remarkable ability to provide a dual benefit – stronger agronomics and improved environmental stewardship – is increasingly important as growers balance productivity with compliance and sustainability objectives.”

This alignment with major industry trends is fueling ProGro BIO's rapid growth. The company, which has raised $6 million in funding, reported over 300% year-over-year sales growth in 2025 and has formed strategic partnerships, such as with Tennessee-based Hurt Seed Company, to expand its distribution. Looking ahead, the Atlanta-based firm plans to seek EPA approval for a new line of organic biocontrol products, signaling a deeper push into the biological solutions space. This strategic expansion indicates that for ProGro BIO and the broader AgTech industry, the future of farming is increasingly rooted in the complex, living world of soil microbiology.