Continuum™: A practical guide for growers

From “nice concept” to real life.

Continuµm was built around a multi-mode of action concept—multiple Bacillus species working together, some active right away, others kicking in later, plus the bioactive compounds they’re raised in. That layered strength matters. 

But what matters most to you is: how does it fit into your program, your crops, your budget, and your schedule? This guide moves past concepts and gets practical. First, a brief reminder of the key benefits of Continuµm.

Nutrient use efficiency: Continuµm helps make phosphorus and micronutrients more available, so plants can take them up efficiently. Why it matters: fertilizers go further, plants grow more uniformly, and nutrient demand is met during critical growth windows.

Root health: Continuµm supports robust, active root systems by proactive population with beneficial microbes. Why it matters: healthy roots are the gateway for water and nutrient uptake—without them, nothing else works. 

Plant health:  Continuµm is not a pesticide, but helps plants stay robust under many different kinds of stressors and pressures. Why it matters: resilient plants hold fruit longer, size up better, and finish the season stronger.

Tips for integrating Continuum into field practice: Making the benefit real

Tank Mixing: Continuµm is compatible with most common inputs. Because Continuµm is beneficial bacteria, bactericides are not recommended in the same mix. While mixes are fine, we do recommend that you avoid mixing with concentrated oxidizers (e.g., bleach, peroxide) or harsh chemistries in the same tank; but also know that many of these inputs are just fine when they are not highly concentrated. The answers to some common compatibility questions can be found here. If you have concerns, conduct a jar test and/or reach out to our technical team (info@impellobio.com) with specific compatibility questions.

Usage & Dosage: The recommended standard field rate on the label is 16-64 oz/acre. However, our technical advisors will sometimes recommend different rates for specific crops, phenological stages or local conditions. For instance, some less vigorous cultivars, heavy crop loads, or extreme stressors or pressures might call for upping the dose. Continuµm as a drench works best with soil moisture at field capacity but can also be applied as a foliar, depending on grower needs. Our crop advisors are always available to help you make a tailored decision for your needs. info@impellobio.com

Timing: Although we believe it is always a good idea to install a beneficial microbial consortia in your crop early and proactively, there are also ways to optimize Continuµm use by applying it under certain circumstances; for example: after transplant, during environmental stress (heat, drought, salinity), or following fertility applications. Continuµm use can also be optimized by crop stage, such as applying during crop establishment for early root support; during phases of high vegetative growth for optimizing nutrient uptake efficiency; or at the onset of reproductive stages to improve fruit set and quality.

Where Continuµm overlaps with other products

Obviously, no grower wants to continue to add products, one on top of another. It isn’t practical in terms of cost or logistics. Here are some of the ways that Continuµm can replace or reduce other input usage. 

In biological products, Continuµm can replace single strain inoculants or phosphorous mobilizers by consolidating multiple Bacillus functions into one jug. Continuµm can replace other general soil and plant health biostimulants because of its own root vigor and stress balance roles. Continuµm empowers the crop to create a preventative crop ecosystem through healthy roots and rhizosphere, and so can replace preventative biocontrol sprays. Continuµm can also replace or support other nutrient efficiency boosters because it improves micronutrient uptake (e.g., Zn, Fe, Ca). 

In conventional products, Continuµm can help replace phosphorus starters because it helps crops use fertilizer P more efficiently. Depending on the system it can replace or supplement micronutrient sprays because it enhances soil availability; it can replace rooting enhancers/PGRs because it biologically promotes rooting without synthetics; and it can replace soil conditioners or stress-specific mitigants because it supports water and nutrient balance across a wide spectrum of stress conditions. It also works well to complement and enhance the efficacy of Ca, Si, or amino acid tools; and early application of Continuµm is often a better alternative to seed-applied inoculants because it provides more diversity and activity than many single-strain coatings. Finally, Continuµm can even subvert the need for some preventative fungicide drenches because even though it is not a fungicide it helps protect seedlings by supporting beneficial root colonization.

Takeaway: Continuµm doesn’t replace core fertility or protection programs but can reduce reliance on heavy inputs and “one-trick” products.

 

Now, let’s talk specifics. Here are a few Continuum field crop use case scenarios:

 

Leafy Greens: Apply at transplant and again mid-growth. Get improved uniformity and leaf quality. For full phenological recommendations, see this leafy greens field program.

Soft & Cane Berries: Apply early in the season to support root vigor, then again at flowering and fruit set. Helps with canopy strength and nutrient partitioning into fruit. See the programs for cane berries, bush berries, and strawberries for full phenological recommendations.

Tomatoes (field & processing): Apply after transplant and before flowering. Supports nutrient demand during rapid vegetative and early fruiting growth. For a full tomato program, go here.

Tree Nuts: Apply around spring root flush and nut set. Improves uptake of calcium, zinc, and other yield-critical nutrients. See our almond program here.

Citrus: Apply at spring flush and pre-bloom. Enhances root activity and nutrient availability at key reproductive stages. See the full citrus program here.

 

A few controlled environment crop use case scenarios:

Continuµm integrates well in greenhouses, tunnels, and propagation systems, but often timing is adjusted for shorter cycles and continuous, high-intensity production.

 

Leafy greens: Rapid growth and short cycles require frequent (weekly) root inoculations, for best results stay on top of it! See full program here.

Greenhouse Cucumbers: Apply inoculant at transplant, then every 2–3 weeks. Supports continuous flowering and fruiting. See the greenhouse cucumber program here.

Greenhouse Tomatoes: Apply inoculant at transplant and again before first cluster set; monthly inoculations are best for maintaining root colonization and supporting robust nutrient uptake during heavy demand. See the greenhouse tomato program here.

Ornamentals: Apply inoculant early for strong rooting, then again pre-bud. Supports bloom quality, color, and stress tolerance. See the ornamental program here.

Propagation: Apply as a drench or dip inoculant at root initiation. Sets a strong foundation for transplant success. Want to see rooting trial data? Go here.

*Continuµm also works well as a foliar spray to support plant health across crops. Applications are recommended anywhere from weekly to monthly depending on circumstances. Our technical advisors are always available to help! info@impellobio.com

Conclusion:

Biological products only work if they work in your fields. The ag biotech space is full of great concepts about what microbes could do, but growers don’t farm concepts—they farm crops. Continuµm was designed with practicality in mind: easy to mix, flexible in timing, and adaptable across crops, systems, and situations. But what matters most is that they work for your operation.

Every field is unique. This guide is here to help you fit Continuµm into your program, your timing, and your crop goals. We’ve given you some ways to get started. But for personalized high-acreage help specific to your cropping system, please reach out to our technical experts at info@impellobio.com.

 

Commercial grower? Fill out a commercial inquiry form or email info@impellobio.com to connect with a technical advisor.

Hobby grower looking to place an order? Visit our online store.