What’s possible on seed? Discover it with Ad Terram at Seed Meets Technology
During Seed Meets Technology (23 – 25 September in Zwaagdijk, Netherlands), Ad Terram will showcase its latest innovations specifically for seed application. With a focus on sustainability and natural inputs, we invite you to discover what’s possible when seed meets smart technology.
Visit our booth to explore:
- CE-certified biostimulants based on plant extracts
- Microbials that support early plant development
- Filmcoatings, binders, and powders with minimal or no drying time
Whether you’re looking to improve germination, enhance plant health, or reduce chemical inputs, our team will be on-site to share the newest advances in natural, efficient seed treatment technologies.
Location: Vertify, Zwaagdijk (NL)
Dates: September 23–25, 2025 (Week 39)
www.seedmeetstechnology.com
Let’s innovate together — starting from the seed.
Growing Better Potatoes, Naturally!
We’re proud to announce that Ad Terram will be exhibiting at PotatoEurope 2025, the leading open-air event for the European potato sector. Join us on 3 & 4 September 2025 in Lelystad, the Netherlands, where industry leaders come together to explore the future of potato farming.
You can find us in Hall 7, Booth F1-08, where we’ll be showcasing our innovative, microplastic-free and natural product solutions. From soil to leaf, our range is designed to help growers improve yield and crop quality — while significantly reducing the use of synthetic chemicals.
Our slogan at the booth says it all:
“Partnering with nature to grow better potatoes, with less chemicals.”
We believe that sustainable agriculture is not just possible — it’s essential. Through natural biostimulants, bio-based coatings, and soil-enhancing solutions, we help farmers cultivate strong, resilient potato crops while protecting soil health and the environment.
Let’s meet in Lelystad!
Interested in learning more or scheduling a meeting during the event? Reach out via email to make an appointment: info@ad-terram.nl
We look forward to seeing you there!
Unlock better plant health and soil-friendly nutrition with gluconic acid-based micronutrients from Ad Terram. High uptake, stable, and sustainable.
Healthy crops begin with balanced nutrition. While macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium often get the spotlight, micronutrients play a vital supporting role in crop development, resilience, and yield. At Ad Terram, we offer a sustainable and innovative line of micronutrient products based on gluconic acid, a natural complexing agent that offers better plant uptake and environmental benefits over traditional EDTA-based solutions.
What Are Micronutrients?
Micronutrients are essential elements required by plants in small quantities to support vital physiological processes such as photosynthesis, enzyme activation, and reproductive development. Key micronutrients include iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo), and others.
Even though plants need only trace amounts, deficiencies can lead to stunted growth, poor fruit development, and reduced yield. Efficient delivery and uptake of these elements is crucial—especially under challenging growing conditions such as leaching caused by heavy rainfall or highly variable soil pH. Our gluconic acid-based formulations are stable across a wide pH range (2–12) and stay longer available in the root zone after irrigation or rain.
What Is Gluconic Acid?
Gluconic acid is a naturally occurring organic acid derived from glucose. In agriculture, its most valuable property lies in its ability to chelate (bind with) micronutrient ions, keeping them stable and soluble so that they remain available for plant uptake.
Unlike synthetic chelating agents such as EDTA, gluconic acid is biodegradable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. It forms gentle, bioavailable complexes with metals, improving their mobility in the soil and availability at the root surface. This translates into better absorption and faster plant response, especially in foliar and soil applications.
Gluconic Acid vs. EDTA: Why Make the Switch?
Many conventional micronutrient products rely on EDTA, a synthetic compound that is persistent in nature and not readily biodegradable. Gluconic acid offers a more plant- and soil-friendly alternative.
Thanks to its natural structure, gluconic acid is more easily recognized by plants, facilitating active uptake pathways that EDTA-based products may not trigger. This results in improved nutrient efficiency, reduced waste, and a quicker visible effect on plant health.
| Aspect | Gluconic Acid | EDTA |
|---|---|---|
|
Origin |
Natural (from glucose) |
Synthetic |
|
Biodegradability |
Fully biodegradable |
Poor |
|
pH Stability |
2–12 range |
Limited |
|
Plant Uptake |
Fast & efficient |
Slower |
|
Leaching Risk |
Low (rain-stable) |
High |
|
Soil Health |
Safe for microbes |
May disrupt |
|
Foliar Absorption |
Excellent |
Moderate |
Our Micronutrient Portfolio
At Ad Terram, we offer a full range of micronutrient products chelated with gluconic acid to meet the diverse needs of modern growers. Our formulations are designed for high efficacy, optimal uptake, and compatibility with various application methods (foliar, fertigation, seed treatment, and soil).
Our current product line includes:
- Iron Gluconate (Fe) – Supports chlorophyll synthesis and energy production
- Zinc Gluconate (Zn) – Essential for enzyme function and hormone regulation
- Manganese Gluconate (Mn) – Promotes photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism
- Copper Gluconate (Cu) – Involved in lignin formation and disease resistance
- Boron Gluconate (B) – Supports flower and fruit development and cell wall stability
- Molybdenum Gluconate (Mo) – Important for nitrogen fixation and enzyme activity
- Combined nutrients – Combination of important nutrients
We are proud to work alongside growers who prioritize not only productivity but also soil health, sustainability, and innovation. Our micronutrient products reflect this commitment—with performance you can see, and responsibility you can trust.
Want to learn which micronutrient formula suits your crop? Our team is ready to advise.
Optimum Seed is an advanced Biostimulant used in seed treatment technologies designed to improve germination, early root development, and overall plant vigor. By optimizing seed performance from the very beginning, Optimum Seed ensures stronger seedlings, better establishment, and improved crop yields, making it a valuable tool for sustainable and efficient agriculture.
How Optimum Seed Enhances Plant Growth
Optimum Seed has been scientifically proven to:
- Strengthen root systems in broadacre, vegetable, ornamental, and AMP crops.
- Increase biomass production in broadacre crops.
- Improve yield potential in vegetable, ornamental, and AMP crops.
These claims are CE certified, ensuring compliance with the strict requirements of the Fertilizing Products Regulation (FPR). The efficacy of Optimum Seed has been validated through field trials and controlled experiments, demonstrating its impact on plant performance.
Compatible Crops: Where Can You Use Optimum Seed?
Optimum Seed has been successfully tested and proven effective on a wide range of crops, including:
- Broadacre crops – Rice, wheat, barley, maize, and other large-scale field crops.
- Vegetables and ornamentals – Tomatoes, carrots, onions, and other high-value crops.
- Aromatic and Medicinal Plant (AMP) crops – Basil, Coriander, Parsley and other aromatic and medicinal crops.
Products Featuring Optimum Seed Technology
Optimum Seed is incorporated into several film-coating liquid formulations, designed for different crop types and production systems:
- Sapphire Seed Coat Premix – High-end crops (e.g., tomatoes, onions, carrots).
- Crystal Seed Coat Premix – Mid- to low-end crops.
- Bulkcoat Premix – High-volume crops with a low saturation point (e.g., beans, peas).
- Fieldcrop Coat Premix – Designed for field crops (e.g., wheat, barley, maize, rice).
All our seed-coating products contain seed enhancement additives that improve flowability, visibility, and reduce dust emissions during sowing, ensuring a smoother and more efficient planting process.
CE Certification: Ensuring Quality and Compliance
Optimum Seed and its associated products meet CE certification standards, ensuring compliance with the European Fertilizing Products Regulation (FPR). This guarantees that all performance claims are backed by rigorous research, field trials, and regulatory approval, providing farmers and agronomists with a reliable and effective Biostimulant solution.
In modern agriculture, seed treatment is more than just a protective measure—it’s a strategic investment in plant health and productivity. At Ad Terram, we believe in sustainable, chemical-free solutions that enhance seed performance while respecting the environment. With a strong focus on microbial inoculants and Biostimulants, our seed treatment products are designed to stimulate germination, strengthen seedlings, and improve tolerance to abiotic stress factors.
This article explores how microbes play a crucial role in modern seed treatments and explain their mechanisms of action.
Role of Microbes in Seed Treatments
Microbes play a pivotal role in seed treatments by enhancing plant growth, natural biological processes. At Ad Terram, we harness the benefits of specific microorganisms to promote sustainable agriculture.
Key Microorganisms in Ad Terram's Seed Treatments:
Mycorrhiza:
1. Expands Root Reach & Nutrient Absorption
- AMF forms a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, creating an extensive hyphae network that helps plants absorb water and nutrients (especially phosphorus and micronutrients like zinc and copper) more efficiently.
- This allows plants to grow stronger and more resilient in nutrient-deficient soil
2. Improves Drought and Stress Tolerance
- The hyphal network extends far beyond the root zone, allowing plants to access water more effectively, improving drought resistance.
- Helps plants recover faster from environmental stress factors like salinity and temperature fluctuations.
3. Mediator of Defence Against Herbivorous Insects
- Additionally, AMF-infected plants can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that attract carnivorous insects, which prey on herbivorous insects.
- This natural control of herbivorous insects lowers the need for chemical pesticides, making farming more sustainable.
(Claims not for CE certified 5 grams packaging AMF)
Rhizobium
1.Converts Atmospheric Nitrogen into Plant-Available Forms
- Rhizobium forms nodules on legume roots, where it fixes atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃), providing plants with an essential nutrient for growth.
- This reduces the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, lowering costs and environmental impact.
2.Improves Soil Fertility
- Over time, Rhizobium-enriched soil becomes naturally more fertile, benefiting future crops and supporting sustainable crop rotation practices.
3.Enhances Root and Shoot Growth
- The additional nitrogen boosts chlorophyll production, resulting in greener, healthier, and more productive plants.
(Claims not for CE certified 5 grams packaging RHIZO)
Azospirillum:
Biological Nitrogen Fixation
- Azospirillum can convert atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into a plant-usable form (NH₄⁺), reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.
- This improves soil fertility and promotes sustainable farming by reducing nitrogen leaching and environmental pollution
Enhanced Root Development
- Azospirillum stimulates root elongation and branching, increasing the root’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.
- A larger root system means stronger, healthier plants with better access to essential minerals.
Drought and Stress Tolerance
- Azospirillum helps plants adapt to abiotic stress, such as drought, salinity, and temperature extremes.
- It promotes osmotic balance and water retention, ensuring crops stay healthier during unfavorable weather conditions.
(Claims not for CE certified 5 grams packaging ABRA)
Why Ad Terram’s Seed Treatments Support Microbial Vitality
Ad Terram’s seed treatment products are specifically designed to be microbe-friendly, ensuring that beneficial microorganisms remain active, viable, and effective throughout the seed’s early development. Unlike conventional seed treatments that rely on harsh chemical coatings and synthetic protectants, our formulations prioritize natural, biodegradable ingredients that do not harm or inhibit microbial life.
Why Ad Terram’s Seed Treatments Are Microbe-Friendly:
- High Survival Rate – Our seed treatment products use only natural ingredients that do not harm beneficial microbes, unlike synthetic treatments that can significantly reduce microbial viability.
- Dormant Mode – With only low amount of free water in our formulations, microbes remain in a dormant (sleeping) state until the seed is sown and comes into contact with moisture, ensuring their stability and longevity.
- Combination with Optimum Seed – You can combine our microbial treatment with our Biostimulant Optimum Seed, providing microbes with an immediate food source once activated, helping them establish and thrive.
By prioritizing microbial health, Ad Terram’s seed treatments maximize the benefits of microbial inoculants, leading to stronger plant growth, improved nutrient uptake, and more sustainable agricultural practices. 
Filmcoating is an essential process in seed treatment, ensuring that Biostimulants, nutrients, or plant protection products stick effectively to the seed surface. However, applying too much coating liquid can be counterproductive. If the saturation point is exceeded, excess liquid will not stick to the seed and instead accumulate in the equipment, causing uneven coverage and operational inefficiencies. Understanding and controlling the saturation point is crucial for achieving optimal results in seed coating.
Why is Reaching the Saturation Point Critical in the Filmcoating Process?
Van der Waals forces play a crucial role in the filmcoating process. If the coating begins to form tiny droplets on the surface of the seeds, it indicates that the saturation point has been exceeded, meaning the seed surface can no longer absorb additional coating material.
Studies have shown that exceeding the saturation point results in excess filmcoating liquid remaining in the machine, container, or bag. This leads to large uncoated areas on the seeds, leaving them unprotected. By achieving optimal saturation, the seeds receive full coverage, ensuring better protection and effectiveness of the applied treatment.
What Are the Advantages of Filmcoating to the Saturation Point?
- Maximum Coverage – Ensuring the filmcoating liquid is evenly distributed over the seeds maximizes the benefits of biostimulants, nutrients, or plant protection products.
- Prevents Clumping – Proper saturation prevents seeds from sticking together, reducing the risk of double sowing.
- Cleaner Filmcoating Machine – Minimal residual filmcoating liquid in the equipment significantly reduces cleaning time.
- Cleaner Conveyor Belt – With optimal saturation, seeds do not stick to the conveyor belt, preventing unnecessary seed loss.
- Neat and Professional Packaging – Bags, cans, and containers remain clean and free from filmcoating residue, presenting a more professional appearance to customers.
By controlling the saturation point, you enhance seed protection, optimize application efficiency, and maintain a cleaner working environment, ultimately improving both product quality and operational performance.
In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, agriculture must adapt to eco-friendly practices. A crucial step in this transition is the use of microplastic-free seed treatment solutions. At Ad Terram, we are committed to developing innovative seed treatment technologies that are not only effective but also organic and environmental friendly.
What is Seed Treatment?
Seed treatment is the application of both conventional and environmentally friendly substances to seeds before planting. This enhances seed performance, promotes germination, and protects against pests and diseases. Additionally, seed treatments can include Biostimulants, which enhance plant growth by improving nutrient uptake, increasing stress tolerance, and stimulating root development. Using Biostimulants, gives the plant a healthier start, promotes better growth, and improves abiotic stress tolerance, ultimately leading to improved crop performance.
Ad Terram offers three key seed treatment solutions: filmcoating liquid, encrusting, and pelleting. Each of these methods provides unique benefits tailored to different agricultural needs. All are designed to be fully biodegradable and free from harmful microplastics.
The Advantages of Seed Treatments
- Enhanced Germination and Vigor
Seed treatments improves the germination of the seeds by protecting or helping seeds from early-stage threats such as pathogens and unfavorable soil/weather conditions. This leads to more robust seedlings and a stronger start for the plant.
- Biotic stress protection and Abiotic stress tolerance
By applying seed treatments, farmers can protect seeds from diseases in the soil, as well as deter early pest infestations. This reduces the need for excessive pesticide use later in the growing cycle. Besides the Biotic stress protection if you add Biostimulants to the filmcoating you are able to increase the tolerance to Abiotic stress.
- Improved Seed Handling
By incorporating flowability enhancers you improve seed flow in sowing machines, leading to a more precise and efficient sowing process. Dust reduction solutions further contribute to a cleaner and safer working environment, minimizing seed treatment loss and ensuring that the applied PPP’s, nutrients and Biostimulants remain where they are needed most.
- Nutrient and Growth Enhancement
Many seed treatments include beneficial nutrients and Biostimulants that promote early root and shoot development. This leads to healthier plants with improved tolerance to environmental stresses.
- Reduced Input Costs and Resource Efficiency
By improving the performance of the seeds, seed treatments help farmers maximize yields with fewer inputs, such as fertilizers and pesticides. This increases efficiency and reduces overall farming costs.
The Advantages of Microplastic-Free Seed Treatments
- Environmental Friendly & Sustainable
Traditional seed treatments often contain synthetic polymers, which degrade into microplastics and contribute to soil and water pollution. Ad Terram’s seed treatment solutions are developed with natural, biodegradable ingredients, ensuring that no harmful residues are left behind. This means a healthier soil, cleaner water, and a more sustainable agricultural system.
- Organic & Safe for Soil Life
Our seed treatments are designed to be fully compatible with organic farming practices. They promote soil health by supporting beneficial microbial life rather than harming it. Unlike conventional coatings, which may contain synthetic chemicals, Ad Terram’s filmcoating, encrusting, and pelleting solutions use organic materials that contribute to a sustainable agriculture.
- Compliance with Future Regulations
As global awareness of microplastic pollution grows, regulations on synthetic polymers in agriculture are becoming stricter. By choosing Ad Terram’s microplastic-free seed treatment solutions, seed companies and farmers stay ahead of regulatory changes, ensuring compliance while demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices.
- Enhanced Marketability
Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainably produced food. Using organic, microplastic-free seed treatments not only benefits the environment but also enhances the reputation of growers and seed companies. By choosing Ad Terram’s solutions, producers align with the growing market preference for eco-friendly, organic agriculture.
A Commitment to a Greener Future
At Ad Terram, we believe that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. By offering seed treatment solutions that are 100% microplastic-free and organic, we empower farmers and seed companies to grow crops in a way that respects nature while ensuring high performance.
The future of agriculture lies in responsible choices. With our advanced filmcoating liquids, encrusting, and pelleting technologies, we are paving the way for an sustainable industry—without compromising on quality or effectiveness.
Join us in growing a greener future. Choose Ad Terram’s sustainable seed treatment solutions today.
Seed World US Article, November 2024
As we become more globally aware of the effects of microplastics on our environment, we need to turn our attention to what steps we can take in agriculture to decrease our impact.
It’s common knowledge that microplastics have a detrimental effect on soil, groundwater and ocean life, but far fewer people realise they may also have immediate detrimental effects on crop success.
Conventional filmcoatings contain synthetic polymers that act as binders for various seed treatment products, yet studies show that microplastics block pores in seeds, which can cause a delay in germination and decreased root growth. Even if your primary focus is on yield and profitability above environmental sustainability, reducing microplastics in your agriculture practice has a beneficial effect.
The writing is on the wall for conventional microplastics. Several nations have already put in legislation banning the use of seed treatment products that contain microplastics, and it will likely only be a matter of time before others follow this path.
Some reason that bioplastics are a solution.
While bioplastics are produced from renewable resources, they can take 100 years or more to biodegrade, causing similar detrimental effects as conventional microplastics in the meantime.
Ad Terram has been prepared for a market shift away from microplastics since we started in 2014. All our products are, and always have been, microplastic-free and suitable for both conventional and certified organic operations.
Our filmcoat products are made entirely from plant-based extracts and are fully biodegrade to the hydrocarbon level within 12 months.
Our microplastic-free filmcoat liquids are easy to apply with any standard filmcoating equipment. In some countries, farmers choose to treat their seeds themselves. In fact, our products are so adaptable that they can even be mixed with seeds in as simple a set-up as a concrete mixer.
Customer service is of high importance to us so no matter what mixing equipment new customers have access to, we’ll gladly teach them how to use our products with their machines.
An especially important bonus of our products is the ultra-fast processing and drying times.
Polymer-based film coats require drying time before bagging, slowing down the production process. Our flimcoating starts hardening out in the filmcoating equipment and emerges nearly dry. The treated seeds can be packed immediately because the hardening out process continues inside the packaging. This saves both time and money by decreasing waiting and increasing the rate of product flow through the machines.
Most importantly, our products work. Going microplastic-free and organic doesn’t, as some people think, mean sacrificing efficacy, thanks to advances in technology.
Ad Terram means ‘for the earth’, and it embodies our mission statement – “To make conventional farming more resilient by improving cultivation with treatments that do not harm the agricultural land and the ground we all live on, our planet.”
Whether you’re looking to move to microplastic-free products, hoping to increase production capacity or wanting to add an organic line, we have products to help you achieve your goals.
I will be at the ASTA Field Crop Seed Convention in Orlando, Florida from December 10-13. If you are attending, come by and meet me and I can answer all your questions. If you’re unable to attend, you can always reach us via our website https://ad-terram.nl
Ad Terram has a broad range of products available. Some key field crop products include:
Fieldcrop Coat Premix is designed to be the most economical option for the high-volume needs of field crop seeds. This product also includes our Optimum Seed biostimulant, which induces longer root growth and increased root hair growth. Additional rooting benefits the plants by increasing water uptake and therefore mineral and fertilizer uptake.
Optimum AMF carries an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi that forms a symbiotic relationship with the plants. It acts to extend rooting length, giving a deeper reach for water and nutrients. The fungi exchanges sugar from the plants with nutrients and water from the soil through the roots. Optimum AMF can be added to our filmcoat liquid. This is unique because most microbial biostimulants are killed off by the chemicals in a conventional filmcoat. With no harsh chemicals or microplastics, our filmcoat is compatible with the majority of microbial products.
We also offer an encrusting product using Circumeo powder and Fixum binding agents. These can be customized to your needs, whether you want added weight, uniformity for precision planting, water retention, high volume microbials or a combination. Our encrusting product can be a huge time and money saver since drying time is minimal. Where some conventional products need an hour and added heat, our encruster dries in minutes at room temperature.
Optimum Gluco micronutrient products are ideal if you’re facing a micronutrient deficiency. These products combine gluconate with iron, manganese, zinc, copper, or boron and calcium. The gluconic acid used in our Optimum Gluco products ensures the micronutrients are more readily assimilated by the plants than synthetic micronutrients.
We can combine multiple treatments into the filmcoat or encrusting. We work with the customer to determine what their needs are and can develop a custom mix if needed. Our filmcoatings are also compatible with chemicals used in the market, so you can mix field crop coatings with a biostimulant and the chemical of your choice to gain multiple advantages alongside conventional products.
Seed World Article
From October 14 – 17 we will attend Euroseeds in Copenhagen. We would like to invite you to meet us at our Booth (16) or make an appointment with our sales team: info@ad-terrmam.nl
See you in Copenhagen!