New microbial seed treatment targets early growth

Developed by Fielder Nutrition, the product – named Surge – is among the first to merge biological inoculants with a targeted micronutrient package, aiming to give crops both a biological and nutritional edge from the earliest stages of development.

The formulation includes three UK-derived bacillus strains, which have been proven to significantly improve root growth, stimulate enhanced germination and support the plant’s ability to cope with stress conditions.

Further to this, the bacillus strains work to enhance the soil and reduce the need for other synthetic inputs as they solubilise P in the soul and fix nitrogen.

Complementing this microbial blend is a manganese-rich micronutrient mix, designed to further encourage root expansion and early nutrient uptake.

Fielder Nutrition director Robert Hawkin says Surge stands apart from traditional seed treatments:

“The interaction between the microbes and the micronutrients is unlike anything we’ve seen before – it enhances germination and seedling vigour, helping the plant access water and nutrients more effectively through a more developed root system.”

A closer look at Surge

The development of Surge began five years ago, with the product undergoing extensive field evaluations across the UK to ensure strong performance under British growing conditions.

One of the contributors to its design is Dr. Apostolos Papadopoulos, a specialist in Bacillus microbiology.

“Surge is built around a biological core – specifically, beneficial Bacillus bacteria – which are included to support the early stages of crop growth and long-term plant vitality,” says Dr Papadopoulos.

“These are naturally occurring, spore-forming microbes that colonise the root zone at germination, forming a mutually beneficial interaction with the plant.”

He explains that Surge works through multiple mechanisms:

• Encouraging early and vigorous root development, which helps seedlings access water and nutrients more effectively
• Increasing phosphorus availability in the soil through microbial solubilisation
• Enhancing the plant’s tolerance to stress, both environmental and disease-related, by improving root-soil dynamics and triggering internal defence responses.

“Although the results might not always be visible above ground straight away,” he adds, “the biological activity contributes to more even crop emergence and stronger early vigour – which can lead to more reliable yields, especially when growing conditions are less than ideal.”

According to Dr. Papadopoulos, Surge also differs from many of the microbial seed treatments currently on the market.

“What sets it apart is that its Bacillus strains have been selected and trialled specifically in the UK, rather than being adapted from overseas formulas.

This regional focus means it’s well matched to the crops, soils, and environmental conditions encountered by British farmers – giving it a clear performance edge.”

Bridging the gap

Over five growing seasons, independent UK field trials and farmer-led trials have recorded average yield increases of 5%, with even more pronounced benefits under challenging conditions like drought stress.

Recent collaborative trials with the University of Nottingham have also highlighted the product’s potential to support natural disease resistance.

In winter wheat, plants treated with Surge showed up to 50% less yellow rust and reduced fusarium infection within three weeks of sowing compared to untreated controls.

Researchers attributed this to the ability of Bacillus strains to activate plant defence signalling and trigger production of protective proteins.

Promoting sustainability is also a key part of Surge’s appeal. The microbial strains are known to aid phosphorus solubilisation and biological nitrogen activity, reducing reliance on synthetic inputs.

Importantly, the product is compatible with conventional fungicide and nutrition-based seed treatments, offering flexibility for integrated use.

Surge is available through your local seed house or agricultural merchant and growers interested in the technology are encouraged to speak with Fielder Nutrition’s team for more details:

• robert@fieldernutrition.com
• 01743 860924

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