Carbon Stone is a crop nutrition product, which is an organic stone-like carbon product extracted through proprietary Microbial Extraction Technology, containing activated carbon. The good carbon level in soil is about 0.5-3%, but in the last 70 years, Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) level in India has decreased from 1% to 0.3%. Over the concern, application of external carbon is necessary to improve rhizospheric soil fertility, promoting water-holding capacity, aeration, and nutrient availability for improved growth and yield of soybean and many other crops. It also provides a habitat for beneficial soil microbes, which can aid in nutrient cycling and improve overall soil health. This article gives a complete knowledge about carbon stone, its application and benefits on soybean crops.
Crop: Soybean
Throughout their life cycle, soybeans go through different growth stages, and each one has its unique requirements for optimal crop health and productivity. To maximize yields, farmers must apply appropriate crop nutrition from vegetative to harvesting crop stage.
Crop Stages
- Vegetative stage
- Flowering Stage
- Maturity Stage
Crop Management with Geolife carbon stone at various stages of soybean crop
Carbon stone enhances seed germination by maintaining a stable environment, retaining moisture and nutrients around the seeds. It also supports beneficial microbial communities, leading to better flower sets and increased crop yield.
1. Vegetative Stage
The soybean growth stage from seed germination to flower and pod production is critical for the plant’s development. During this period, the primary root emerges from the seed, pulling the cotyledons to the soil surface. Cotyledons supply nutrients for the plant for 7 to 10 days after emergence and losing one cotyledon during this time can impact overall plant growth.
Crop Development
After 7-10 days of sowing, apply Carbon stone crop nutrition to the soybean crop. This leads to cotyledon emergence, followed by the appearance of first and second trifoliate leaves. The plant reaches a length of 6-8 inches and begins nitrogen fixation.
Product Usage
- At the vegetative stage Carbon Stone is broadcasted at the rate of 1-2 kg/ha. Rates of application will vary depending upon the severity of the deficiency, climate and soil type.
- Applying Carbon stone during the vegetative stage enhances soil fertility in the rhizosphere. It improves water-holding capacity, aeration, and nutrient availability, leading to better plant growth and flower set.
- Carbon Stone serves as a source of energy and nutrients for soil microorganisms. As microorganisms break down organic matter, they release essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur, making them available for plant uptake.
2. Flowering Stage
This stage is characterized by development of purple flowers, pod development and seed set in pods. Proper application of carbon stone, water and micronutrients favors the healthy flower and pod set.
Crop Development
Applying Carbon stone during the flowering stage prompts soybean plants to bloom. Flowering occurs at 3-6 nodal stages, extending along the main stem and branching. Blossoms can be purple or white, depending on the soybean variety. Since this stage is vulnerable to pests and diseases, providing proper nutrition helps boost crop growth and combat these challenges.
Product Usage
- During the flowering stage, apply Carbon Stone by dissolving 1-2 kg in an ample quantity of water and drenching the roots.
- Soybeans typically produce 20-60% of their flowers, the application of Carbon Stone improves flower production and enhances seed filling in pods.
- The Carbon Stone supports a diverse and active microbial community in the rhizosphere. Soil microbes play a vital role in nutrient cycling, disease suppression, and organic matter decomposition, contributing to overall soil health.
- Carbon Stone influences the Cation Exchange Capacity of the Rhizosphere. CEC is the soil’s ability to hold and exchange essential nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Higher CEC promotes better nutrient availability for plants.
3. Maturity Stage
After the pod set, they start changing its color and dries. This is the indication of maturity. A single pod sets about 4-5 green seeds. Favorable environmental conditions results, good number of seed and pod set.
Crop Development
At the Maturity stage the Carbon Stone increases the chances of pod set and good number of seed filling in each pod. The upper four nodes have a 3/16-inch-long pod. During this stage, the plant requires a lot of nutrients for seed filling. Green seeds are formed in the pod. Before the leaves turn yellow during this stage, three to six trifoliolate leaves may drop from the lowest nodes.
Product Usage
- During this stage, the recommended dose of Carbon stone is 1-2 kg/acre.
- Healthy soil microbiology can help suppress soil-borne pathogens that may affect soybean plants during the maturity stage.
- The availability of nutrients, improved structure, and enhanced water retention in the rhizosphere directly contribute to increased crop productivity and yield. Healthy soils with sufficient organic carbon support robust plant growth and reduce the conventional fertilizer application.
Effect of Carbon stone on Soybean yield
Carbon Stone positively influences soybean yield by promoting early growth, maximizing flower and pod production, and optimizing seed development. Farmers who apply Carbon Stone at the right stages can expect improved crop health and higher yields.
Conclusion
Carbon Stone, an organic stone-like carbon product extracted through proprietary Microbial Extraction Technology, plays a crucial role in soil health and crop productivity. By incorporating Carbon Stone during the vegetative stage, flowering stage and maturity stage, farmers can promote healthier soybean plants, better flower sets, and increased crop yield.
