Enzymes, Biologicals and Biostimulants… what's the difference?

Jennifer Phillips • August 14, 2025

ZymeCO’s enzyme products are made through a natural fermentation process to work quickly in breaking down organic matter like thatch or crop residue. These bio-active enzymes are not living organisms, which means they’re very consistent, easy to store, and act right away. In contrast, most biologicals and biostimulants use living microbes or plant-based compounds that work more slowly and may vary depending on the environment. Biologicals help improve soil health over time by building microbial populations, while biostimulants support plant growth and stress tolerance.

When used together, enzymes can jumpstart the process by making nutrients more available, creating a better environment for biologicals to thrive and allowing biostimulants to work more effectively. It’s a team approach; enzymes get things moving, and biologicals and biostimulants help sustain the momentum.

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Fulvic acid doesn’t always start in a mine.

By Stephanie Wedryk, Ph.D. • October 1, 2026

Unlike conventional leonardite-based fulvic products, FulviZyme combines plant-derived fulvic acid with naturally occurring organic acids and bioactive plant compounds.

Breaking down lignin is only the beginning of managing residue after harvest

By Stephanie Wedryk, Ph.D. • September 30, 2026

Effective residue management does more than reduce excess residue on surface. It helps turn this year’s residue into healthier soil and a more uniform start for next year’s crop.

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By Stephanie Wedryk, Ph.D. • September 14, 2026

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There’s More Value in Your Corn Residue Than You Think

By Stephanie Wedryk, Ph.D. • September 8, 2026

Corn residue can decompose slowly because lignin gives stalks and leaves their rigid structure. TillZyme™ uses laccase enzyme technology to help accelerate the breakdown of tough crop residue.

Break it Down with TillZyme

By Stephanie Wedryk, Ph.D. • September 2, 2026

After harvest, crop residue is not just leftover stalks and leaves. It is an active biological system that adds nutrients to the soil, increases organic matter, and builds better soil structure for next year. Actively managed residues help create a favorable seedbed for better stands and yield. The enzymes produced by fungi accelerate the process by breaking down tough lignin before naturally occurring soil microbes take over. Learn more here .