Since the emergence of high-throughput sequencing technologies (Margulies et al., 2005), our understanding of soil microbial diversity (Fierer, 2017) and plant-associated microbiomes (Trivedi et al., 2020) has expanded dramatically. These complex microbial communities contain taxonomically diverse organisms that provide essential functions such as nutrient acquisition (Hartman & Tringe, 2019), pathogen defense (Carrión et al., 2019), and drought tolerance (Glick, 2014; Naylor & Coleman-Derr, 2017).
Despite their potential, practical tools for engineering plant microbiomes have historically been limited. This article highlights two innovative solutions super-absorbent polymers (SAPs) and Bioprime® that have demonstrated consistent effects in altering crop-associated microbiomes and improving wheat yields.
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Innovations in Microbiome Engineering
Super-Absorbent Polymers (SAPs)
The first product involves poly-acrylic acid super-absorbent polymers (PAA-SAP). When added to soil, these polymers absorb both water and nutrients, becoming rapidly colonized by native microorganisms (Mathes et al., 2020). Their selective colonization can be enhanced with organic co-polymers, such as mannan and mannose (PAAL-SAP), which improve microbial ingress and support beneficial bacterial recruitment (Pham et al., 2017; Mathes et al., 2020).
Bioprime®: A Fermented Solution
The second innovation, Bioprime®, is a patented molasses-based ferment (Keating, 2013). It contains a range of carbon compounds that either:
- Directly stimulate plant growth through hormones like 2,3-butanediol and acetoin (Ryu et al., 2003), or
- Indirectly promote growth by enhancing microbial signaling and nutrient cycling in the rhizosphere.
Bioprime is versatile—it can be applied as a seed coating, soil amendment, or foliar spray, offering flexibility for different farming systems.
Methods
Pot Trial with Bioprime®
A controlled pot trial was conducted using sandy soil (pHCaCl2 4.8) planted with wheat seeds (var. Mace). Treatments included Bioprime-coated seeds and untreated controls. Fertilizers were applied at standard rates, and after four weeks, shoot biomass and rhizosphere microbial profiles were analyzed.
Field Trials with Polymers and Bioprime®
Three polymer field trials were performed over two growing seasons, applying polymers at 10–20 kg/ha. Seven Bioprime trials were conducted over five seasons, using seed treatment, soil application, and foliar spray methods. All trials followed randomized block designs, with plots managed according to regional best practices.
Microbial and Statistical Analyses
DNA from soil, polymers, and rhizospheres was extracted using the PowerSoil® Kit (MoBio). Sequencing was carried out via Ion Torrent PGM or Illumina HiSeq. Data processing employed QIIME (Caporaso et al., 2010), and functional traits were predicted using PICRUSt (Langille et al., 2013). Community structures were statistically analyzed with PRIMER-E (Clarke & Gorley, 2015), and treatment effects were evaluated using ANOVA (jamovi project, 2020).
Results
Polymer Microbiome Dynamics and Yield Impact
Polymers quickly became colonized by bacteria (Figure 1), showing strong interactions with plant roots. Selective enrichment of beneficial taxa including Oxalobacteraceae, Streptomycetaceae, and Sphingobacteriaceae was observed.
Key plant-beneficial functions were enriched:
- Phosphate acquisition (e.g., 3-phytase activity, P < 0.01),
- Stress response suppression (ACC deaminase activity, P < 0.05).
Yield responses were positive in most trial sites, though some limitations were noted in water-repellent soils such as Badgingarra.
Bioprime Effects on Microbiomes and Wheat Performance
In pot trials, Bioprime seed treatment increased wheat shoot biomass by 27% (P = 0.004). Enhanced rhizosphere diversity was accompanied by functional gains in:
- Secondary metabolite production,
- Siderophore-mediated disease suppression,
- Phytase-driven nutrient acquisition.
Across multiple field trials, Bioprime improved wheat yields by 3.4%–10.4%, regardless of application method or location, reinforcing its versatility and robustness.
Economic Evaluation
Super-Absorbent Polymers
With input costs of $8,000 per tonne, polymers represent a significant investment (~$80/ha at 10 kg/ha). A yield increase of at least 250 kg/ha is required for profitability. Maximum benefits (e.g., 26.6% yield increase at Dandaragan) generated net returns of $129.79/ha. Moreover, polymers persist in soil beyond a single season, enhancing long-term value.
Bioprime®
Locally manufactured in Western Australia, Bioprime offers competitive pricing and requires relatively low application rates. Even modest yield increases deliver positive returns. The 2017 Badgingarra trial produced the highest ROI at $103.14/ha, making Bioprime economically attractive to growers.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Polymers
The polymers used are free from toxic polyacrylamide, instead breaking down into polyacrylate—a compound widely used in medical and sanitary products. Although persistent in soil, they are gradually biodegraded by microorganisms into short-chain carboxylic acids, which are naturally metabolized in soils and safe for ecosystems.
Bioprime®
As a natural molasses ferment, Bioprime contains biodegradable compounds that integrate seamlessly into soil cycles. Its ecological footprint is minimal, and its compatibility with sustainable agriculture practices makes it an appealing long-term solution.
Future Outlook
The 21st century is increasingly recognized as the “Century of Biology.” Advances in sequencing and bioinformatics will enable deeper insights into soil-plant-microbiome interactions.
The products tested SAPs and Bioprime demonstrate that microbiome engineering is no longer a theoretical concept but a practical tool with measurable outcomes. While more field trials across varied soil types are needed, the results point toward a future where microbiome-targeted innovations can consistently improve crop productivity, resilience, and sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is microbiome engineering in agriculture?
Microbiome engineering refers to the practice of modifying or managing microbial communities in soil and around plant roots to enhance beneficial traits such as nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and disease resistance.
How do super-absorbent polymers (SAPs) help crops?
SAPs absorb water and nutrients in the soil, creating microhabitats for beneficial microbes. These microbes then colonize plant roots, improving nutrient availability and stress resilience, which can lead to higher yields.
What is Bioprime® and how does it work?
Bioprime® is a patented molasses-based ferment that contains natural growth-promoting compounds. It boosts plant growth either directly through plant hormones or indirectly by stimulating microbial signaling and activity in the rhizosphere.
Can Bioprime® be applied in different ways?
Yes. Bioprime® can be applied as a seed coating, soil treatment, or foliar spray, making it highly versatile across different farming systems.
Are these products safe for the environment?
Both products are designed with ecological safety in mind. Polymers gradually degrade into harmless short-chain carboxylic acids, while Bioprime® is biodegradable and integrates naturally into soil systems.
What kind of yield improvements can farmers expect?
Field trials have shown yield increases of 3.4%–10.4% with Bioprime®, and up to 26.6% with polymers in favorable conditions. Results may vary depending on soil type and application method.
How cost-effective are these solutions?
Polymers require higher input costs but can deliver strong ROI in the right conditions. Bioprime® is competitively priced, requires lower application rates, and delivers consistent returns even at modest yield improvements.
Conclusion
Microbiome engineering has emerged as a powerful frontier in agricultural science. Both super-absorbent polymers and Bioprime® offer reliable methods to reshape microbial communities in favor of plant-beneficial traits. Their complementary mechanisms structural adhesion in polymers and chemical signaling in Bioprime demonstrate the diverse strategies available to improve crop yields.