How SumaGrow Helps Pine Seedlings Grow Faster and Healthier: Lessons from Mississippi

Background of the Trial

In February 2013, a forestry trial was set up on about 30 acres in Hancock County, Mississippi. The goal was simple: to test whether SumaGrow, a microbial soil treatment, could improve the growth of Loblolly Pine seedlings. ArborGen’s improved second-generation Loblolly Pine seedlings (Pinus taeda) were planted at 550 seedlings per acre. Before planting, the roots of these seedlings were dipped into a mixture of water and SumaGrow (ranging from 2 oz. to 14 oz. concentrations).

This “root dip” was quick, inexpensive, and easy to apply — making it practical for any farmer or forester who plants pine or other seedlings.

Results Farmers Should Know

After several years of observation, the results were clear: the seedlings treated with SumaGrow grew about one extra foot per year compared to untreated seedlings. For forestry, where growth rates are directly tied to how quickly trees can reach harvest size (and how much volume of wood is produced), that is a huge advantage.

This means trees can reach maturity faster, giving farmers the option to harvest sooner or produce more wood over the same timeframe. Faster growth also means earlier shade, quicker establishment, and less vulnerability to weeds and soil erosion.

Why SumaGrow Works for Trees

SumaGrow contains living beneficial microbes that improve the soil ecosystem around the seedling roots. These microbes:

• Help roots absorb more nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and micronutrients) from the soil.
• Improve water retention so young trees can withstand drought stress better.
• Stimulate root growth, allowing seedlings to anchor faster and explore more soil.
• Reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers, making tree farming more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

The combination of these effects explains why the SumaGrow-treated trees consistently outperformed the control group.