With three years of learning under our belt with Root Revel™ research, the team at Beck’s has unearthed some fantastic findings. Our previously published research results offer us insights into three unique root architectures, how those unique architectures respond to population, and how we can alter management decisions based on the environment or stress that’s present in a given year.

We continue to embark on root research at Beck’s; our knowledge base expands as we build on our previous learning. With an increased understanding of root interactions on population and some early learning on stress tolerance, we’re expanding our understanding of fertility and nutrient interactions.

Findings from our product-characterization research during the past two years have indicated there are hybrid responses to the placement of fertility – specifically nitrogen. Understanding the differences in hybrids and their interactions with nitrogen placement has helped Beck’s develop additional research. We’re testing our theories on the placement of nutrients in relation to root architecture. Root Reveal, product-characterization research and university collaborations have produced data that provide insights into in-season nitrogen applications and how each root type responds to the placement of those inputs.

We have the ability at Beck’s to test across multiple platforms and protocols through our extensive research network and departments. For example, our two-year multi-location “Nitrogen x Root Architecture Study” confirms some interesting management tactics when it comes to side-dressing nitrogen. The data shows that vertically rooted hybrids saw a greater advantage to moving all the nitrogen right next to the row, regardless of whether the sidedress was Y-dropped on top of the ground. Horizontally rooted hybrids did not require the sidedress nitrogen next to the row and could access more of it, being located in the center of the row rather than on top of the ground. All treatments indicate an increased return on investment when using the product-characterization-research-prove planter-applied nitrogen but the difference in the root architecture of each hybrid will drive the profitability of the in-season nitrogen application and placement.

Another intriguing result came from our 400-bushel attempt. In that specific study, the goal was to test the response to different forms of irrigation and nutrient management based on root architecture. In 2025, we saw a greater response to overhead irrigation with the horizontal root type. The trial was planted in 15-inch rows, so the horizontal roots were spaced out more. The vertical and balance rooted hybrids responded better to the sub-surface drip irrigation that was more concentrated under every other row because of the root structures going deeper. Most of the drip-irrigation water and nutrients stayed deeper in the profile.

By combining the data from the studies with what we’ve learned through university collaborations on Root Reveal, product-characterization research and Beck’s specific root-architecture classifications for each hybrid, we’re beginning to understand how unique management strategies will help drive hybrid performance and increase return on investment.

But the research doesn’t stop here. We’re diligently exploring many other factors and interactions with corn roots that will enhance hybrid performance and return on investment on the farm. We’re eager to continue to test and learn to uncover deeper interactions between fertility applications and root interaction.

Visit beckshybrids.com for more information.