While we do measure yield in our trials, yield is a lag indicator of the many positive effects H-Start had on the soil and crops throughout the growing season. By contrast, lead indicators can be observed throughout the year and demonstrate the short and long-term impact of using H-Start.
We measure the following lead indicators in our Birch Hills location and with some of our 3rd party partners.
After harvest in 2022 and 2023 we collected soil samples in each block of the Birch Hills Commercial Demo field for DNA testing by Biome Makers. The soil DNA testing identifies soil fungi and bacteria present in the fields.
Biome Makers BeCrop Test provides a comprehensive Microbiome Analysis Report which allows us to understand the microbial changes in the soil and the resulting functionality improvements that can be attributed to the application of H-Start.
See the Biome Makers BeCrop test results from 2022 and 2023 using the links below. You can also review the guide for interpreting those results here.
| 2022 H-Start BeCrop Report | 2023 H-Start BeCrop Report |
|---|---|
| NE Quadrant | NE Quadrant |
| NW Quadrant | NW Quadrant |
| SE Quadrant | SE Quadrant |
| SW Quadrant | SW Quadrant |
H-Start has an additive impact with repeated annual application. It’s projected that carry-over of beneficial soil microbes will result in progressive changes in the biological, chemical, and physical properties of the soil. This includes factors like soil wet aggregation, soil active carbon, compaction, water retention capacity, microbial respiration, and water infiltration.
Dr. Yamily Zavala began research with H-Start in 2021 near Oyen, Alberta. Her team identified the evolution of the main soil biophysical parameters after 2 years of treatment with H-Start.
Effect of H-Start Treatments on Yield and Soil Biophysical Properties – Canola 2022.
| Treatment (Pellet - Fertilizer rate) | % Change from H-Start treatment vs 100% fertilizer | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agronomic and Soil Bio-Physical Parameters | H-Start + 100% Fertilizer | 100% Fertilizer | Control 0% Fertilizer | |
| Yield (bu/ac) | 18.0 | 15.0 | 5.8 | 20.0% |
| Penetrometer 200PSI (inch) | 2.7 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 35.0% |
| Penetrometer 300PSI (inch) | 2.9 | 2.9 | 2.8 | 0% |
| Water infiltration (min) | 3.76 | 2.85 | 7.07 | 31.9% |
| Microbial Respiration mg CO2/g | 0.572 | 0.466 | 0.487 | 22.7% |
| Active Carbon mg Active C/Kg | 99 | 73 | 99 | 35.6% |
| Soil Wet aggregation (%) | 39 | 32 | 28 | 21.9% |
We invest in third-party, independent research trials to provide scientific data, observations, and insights on the performance of H-Start.
Testing was done in Alberta and Saskatchewan in 2022 (11 locations) and 2023 (9 locations).
Since 2021, we’ve conducted trials on a quarter section of our property near Birch Hills, Saskatchewan.
The purpose of this demonstration trial is to increase our understanding of the benefits of increasing microbial diversity that H-Start brings on a commercial scale application.
The Birch Hills, commercial demo field is divided into quarters, each with a different history of H-Start treatments so we can measure short-term and long-term impacts.
