Improving Nitrogen Metabolism with Bioz Nephrite

Maximizing nitrogen use efficiency is critical to crop productivity and sustainability. Bioz® Nephrite is a foliar biostimulant developed by ICL to support crops during their most active growth stages. Containing molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn), Nephrite enhances the internal processes that allow plants to absorb, convert, and retain nitrogen more effectively, helping boost both vegetative growth and grain development.

Supporting Dent Corn Performance in Brazil

In 2022, a trial in Brazil showed the value of foliar application of Bioz Nephrite for Dent Corn for animal feed.

The zinc in Bioz Nephrite contributed to stronger root growth. Treated plants developed more vigorous and extensive root systems, allowing for better access to water and nutrients throughout the season. This continued root activity improved the plants’ resilience during later growth stages, helping plants maintain productivity.

Plants were treated at the V4 to V6 growth stages, when nutrient uptake and nitrogen demand are both high. Compared to untreated plots, dent corn plants receiving the Nephrite treatment developed visibly greener, healthier canopies, with the plants’ lower leaves remaining greener for longer into the season.

This delayed senescence is a clear marker of improved nitrogen metabolism. By prolonging the period of active photosynthesis in the plants, crops were better able to support grain filling. The result was the dent corn plot treated with Bioz Nephrite generated an 18% increase in grain weight at harvest compared to the control plots.

Enhancing Wheat Yields in Japan

Bioz Nephrite has also delivered impressive results in wheat crops. In 2024, a trial in Hokkaido, Japan, tested the product on winter wheat variety ‘Yumechikara’. Applications were made either at the start of spring regrowth, at pre-heading, or split between spring regrowth and pre-heading.

In all cases, treated plants showed significant improvements in wheat ear development and grain formation. Ear length increased by up to 19%, and ear weight rose by 30-55% compared with untreated plots. These yield benefits were accompanied by delayed senescence and sustained green leaf area, particularly in the pre-heading treatment.

The results suggest Bioz Nephrite plays a key role in maintaining nitrogen availability during critical growth phases, contributing to improved grain yield while maintaining high protein levels, both of which are essential for premium milling wheat varieties.

How Bioz Nephrite works

Bioz Nephrite is the result of more than six years of research into nitrogen metabolism and biostimulant modes of action. Its active components are designed to complement traditional nitrogen fertilizers, working within the plant to improve internal nitrogen cycling and reduce stress-related losses.

Molybdenum supports the function of nitrate reductase, a key enzyme in the conversion of nitrate to amino acids and proteins. Zinc plays an essential role in root development and the regulation of hormone levels, supporting both nutrient uptake and shoot growth. Together, these micronutrients help optimize nitrogen use efficiency, supporting stronger growth and better reproductive development.

In legumes and other nitrogen-fixing crops, Nephrite can also enhance nodulation and nitrogen fixation. It helps prolong the activity of root nodules, allowing plants to recycle up to 25% of the hydrogen that would otherwise be lost during the fixation process.

A Tool for Smarter Nutrition Strategies

Whether used in cereals, maize, or legumes, Bioz Nephrite offers a flexible tool for boosting nitrogen efficiency through foliar nutrition. The results seen in Brazil and Japan highlight its potential to deliver real yield and quality improvements when used at the right time.

As nutrient efficiency becomes an increasing priority for growers worldwide, tools like Bioz Nephrite offer a science-based approach to achieving more with less, helping to improve crop productivity while reducing environmental losses.