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In the quest for sustainable agriculture, farmers globally are reevaluating their practices, particularly in how they treat their most valuable asset—the soil. This shift stems from a growing awareness of the detrimental effects of excessive reliance on synthetic chemicals and their impact on soil health and biodiversity. In response, there has been a noticeable pivot towards regenerative agricultural practices to foster a healthier, more resilient agricultural ecosystem.
Bontera BioAg, a forward-thinking company with a global presence, has positioned itself at the forefront of this movement. The company's mission is focused on contributing to soil enrichment while increasing agricultural output and reducing chemical dependency. Central to Bontera's philosophy is the development of natural solutions that provide tangible benefits while meeting farmer expectations.
At the heart of Bontera's approach is a deep understanding of the complex soil ecosystem. The company uses naturally occurring soil microbes, which act as catalysts, combined with micronutrients and organic acids to improve soil health and fertility, as well as increase crop yields. Bontera sources all of its microbes naturally, distinguishing it from those that use genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
“The deliberate formulation of products as blends of high-performing microbes of multiple functionalities serves as the cornerstone of our approach,” says Iqbal Kalla, CEO of Bontera BioAg. This methodology results in products that are akin to a cocktail that enhances soil biodiversity. The diversity of these blends renders the firm’s solutions versatile and well-suited for various crop and soil types as well as climates, including those with extreme temperatures.
Bontera's product portfolio is extensive, addressing a range of agricultural challenges. SA-10, the foundational product, is integral to the planting process. Packed with essential microbes, it enriches the soil and boosts organic matter, resulting in improved crop yields across various crops and soil conditions.
The company also offers specialized products like Tricho-Power, with five distinct Trichoderma strains that improve the soil’s biological condition. Another notable product, NitroFix, caters to farmers growing leguminous crops and other crops such as corn. It contains a mix of Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, Azospirillum, Azotobacter, and other nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which aid in seed germination, root development, and nitrogen fixation—all of which are crucial for crop development.
Bontera has further expanded its range by developing NT-10 for nematode control and PC-10 for pest control on leaves, both awaiting EPA registration. Although details are limited due to the pending registration, these products underscore the firm’s commitment to addressing broader agricultural challenges.
A distinctive feature of Bontera’s offerings is its powder-based formulation that increases shelf life of its products by up to three years without compromising effectiveness. The economic and practical advantages are significant—a 2.2-pound bag can cover 10 to 40 acres, offering a viable solution for modern agricultural needs.
Proven Results Across Crops and Regions
Bontera has demonstrated its effectiveness in various crop cultivation scenarios. Farmers across different regions have reported yield improvements in crops like potatoes, cotton, and avocados. In one notable instance, a Mexican farmer attributed a significant increase in avocado crop yields to Bontera products. Similar positive outcomes were observed in Washington and Oregon, where the use of SA-10 led to a 15 percent increase in spring wheat yield.
Further reports of Bontera's product efficacy come from California, where trials with SA-10 led to a remarkable increase in corn crops when compared to control groups. In addition, bean crops experienced a 16.6 percent yield boost. This underscores the adaptability and effectiveness of Bontera’s products across various crops.
Bontera’s efficiency is further demonstrated by the numerous testimonies it has received from farmers and suppliers all around the world.
“The product sells itself, once you start telling them about what it does and how it treats the soil, that you can start using less of your harsh [chemicals], it really catches their attention, everybody around here definitely wants to restore their soil back to its natural state" - Eric M, Brooks Hardware, OR, USA
“With a full Bontera program on potatoes, we didn't have potato tuber moth problems like we normally do. We also had very good results on our sweet potatoes. We had uniform, high-quality sweet potatoes, and the yields were outstanding. We got 55 tons per hectare,” states Freek S, Crop Advisor South Africa.
An Adaptive Approach and Collaboration with Growers
“Our approach to product usage is adaptable, taking into account the specific needs and conditions of individual growers,” adds Kalla.
To achieve this, Bontera's research and development team collaborates with farmers to ensure that its products are applied effectively and address unique agricultural challenges. This enables the firm to formulate tailored guidelines, ensuring that the products are effectively applied to address growers’ concerns.
A Vision for Agriculture: Ongoing Commitment and Future Goals
An exciting addition to Bontera's product portfolio is its inaugural seed coat product, which is currently registered in several states. This product introduces a novel delivery method by directly coating the seed, which aids in early seed germination and healthier emerging roots and shoots. The successful market introduction of the product further highlights the firm’s dedication to innovation and meeting growers’ evolving needs.
Bontera's sustainable solutions are reshaping the agriculture landscape. From harnessing the power of naturally occurring microbes to offering diverse and specialized products, the firm’s commitment to innovation and empowerment is evident. Despite its attempt to improve and expand its offerings, the goal remains the same—to provide growers with effective solutions that enhance soil quality and offer favorable results for a stronger and healthier agricultural ecosystem.
Bontera BioAg, a forward-thinking company with a global presence, has positioned itself at the forefront of this movement. The company's mission is focused on contributing to soil enrichment while increasing agricultural output and reducing chemical dependency. Central to Bontera's philosophy is the development of natural solutions that provide tangible benefits while meeting farmer expectations.
At the heart of Bontera's approach is a deep understanding of the complex soil ecosystem. The company uses naturally occurring soil microbes, which act as catalysts, combined with micronutrients and organic acids to improve soil health and fertility, as well as increase crop yields. Bontera sources all of its microbes naturally, distinguishing it from those that use genetically modified organisms (GMOs).“The deliberate formulation of products as blends of high-performing microbes of multiple functionalities serves as the cornerstone of our approach,” says Iqbal Kalla, CEO of Bontera BioAg. This methodology results in products that are akin to a cocktail that enhances soil biodiversity. The diversity of these blends renders the firm’s solutions versatile and well-suited for various crop and soil types as well as climates, including those with extreme temperatures.
The deliberate formulation of products as blends of high-performing microbes serves as the cornerstone of our approach
The company also offers specialized products like Tricho-Power, with five distinct Trichoderma strains that improve the soil’s biological condition. Another notable product, NitroFix, caters to farmers growing leguminous crops and other crops such as corn. It contains a mix of Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, Azospirillum, Azotobacter, and other nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which aid in seed germination, root development, and nitrogen fixation—all of which are crucial for crop development.
Bontera has further expanded its range by developing NT-10 for nematode control and PC-10 for pest control on leaves, both awaiting EPA registration. Although details are limited due to the pending registration, these products underscore the firm’s commitment to addressing broader agricultural challenges.
A distinctive feature of Bontera’s offerings is its powder-based formulation that increases shelf life of its products by up to three years without compromising effectiveness. The economic and practical advantages are significant—a 2.2-pound bag can cover 10 to 40 acres, offering a viable solution for modern agricultural needs.
Proven Results Across Crops and Regions
Bontera has demonstrated its effectiveness in various crop cultivation scenarios. Farmers across different regions have reported yield improvements in crops like potatoes, cotton, and avocados. In one notable instance, a Mexican farmer attributed a significant increase in avocado crop yields to Bontera products. Similar positive outcomes were observed in Washington and Oregon, where the use of SA-10 led to a 15 percent increase in spring wheat yield.
Further reports of Bontera's product efficacy come from California, where trials with SA-10 led to a remarkable increase in corn crops when compared to control groups. In addition, bean crops experienced a 16.6 percent yield boost. This underscores the adaptability and effectiveness of Bontera’s products across various crops.
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Our approach to product usage is adaptable, taking into account the specific needs and conditions of individual growers
Bontera’s efficiency is further demonstrated by the numerous testimonies it has received from farmers and suppliers all around the world.
“The product sells itself, once you start telling them about what it does and how it treats the soil, that you can start using less of your harsh [chemicals], it really catches their attention, everybody around here definitely wants to restore their soil back to its natural state" - Eric M, Brooks Hardware, OR, USA
“With a full Bontera program on potatoes, we didn't have potato tuber moth problems like we normally do. We also had very good results on our sweet potatoes. We had uniform, high-quality sweet potatoes, and the yields were outstanding. We got 55 tons per hectare,” states Freek S, Crop Advisor South Africa.
An Adaptive Approach and Collaboration with Growers
“Our approach to product usage is adaptable, taking into account the specific needs and conditions of individual growers,” adds Kalla.
To achieve this, Bontera's research and development team collaborates with farmers to ensure that its products are applied effectively and address unique agricultural challenges. This enables the firm to formulate tailored guidelines, ensuring that the products are effectively applied to address growers’ concerns.
A Vision for Agriculture: Ongoing Commitment and Future Goals
An exciting addition to Bontera's product portfolio is its inaugural seed coat product, which is currently registered in several states. This product introduces a novel delivery method by directly coating the seed, which aids in early seed germination and healthier emerging roots and shoots. The successful market introduction of the product further highlights the firm’s dedication to innovation and meeting growers’ evolving needs.
Bontera's sustainable solutions are reshaping the agriculture landscape. From harnessing the power of naturally occurring microbes to offering diverse and specialized products, the firm’s commitment to innovation and empowerment is evident. Despite its attempt to improve and expand its offerings, the goal remains the same—to provide growers with effective solutions that enhance soil quality and offer favorable results for a stronger and healthier agricultural ecosystem.
Company
Bontera BioAg
Management
Iqbal Kalla, CEO
Description
Bontera provides solutions for growers around the world who want a more sustainable way of producing crops. Its products are 100 percent organically derived and contain naturally occurring microbes along with micronutrients and organic acids that work together to promote soil quality and productivity.
