Wheat Study Finds Limited Gains from Biologicals

By Scout Nelson

A multi-year research study by North Dakota State University evaluated nitrogen-fixing biological products in spring wheat production across different locations in North Dakota. The trials were conducted over five site-years from 2023 to 2025 at research centers in Carrington and Minot. The study focused on two products, Envita and Utrisha, which contain beneficial bacteria that help convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form plants can use.

These biological products are designed to support crops like wheat by forming a relationship with plant tissues. The bacteria enter the plant through leaves, roots, or small openings and exchange nitrogen for carbohydrates. However, since these bacteria do not survive cold winters, they require repeated application each season.

The research compared these products under different nitrogen fertilizer levels. Wheat plots receive varying nitrogen rates, and the biological treatments were applied during the tillering stage. Scientists aimed to measure how these products performed compared to traditional nitrogen use.

Results show that yield improvement occured in only one of the tested site-years. At Carrington in 2024, both products increased wheat yield when used with moderate nitrogen levels. However, no yield benefit were observed in plots without nitrogen fertilizer. This suggests that crops respond to biological nitrogen only when they are under nutrient stress.

Grain protein levels increased with nitrogen fertilizer but did not show improvement with biological products. This indicates that while the products may support plant growth under certain conditions, they do not enhance grain quality.

Overall, the study suggests that nitrogen-fixing biologicals may help in limited situations, especially when crops face nitrogen shortages. However, traditional synthetic fertilizers remain the most reliable method for achieving consistent wheat yield and quality.

The research receiveed support from the North Dakota Wheat Commission and was conducted by regional research teams, contributing valuable insights into modern crop management practices.

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