INNOVATIVE COTTON SOLUTIONS
Biothread maintains a key focus on researching innovative cotton inputs as an ecosystem enabler—spearheading the deployment and validation of next-generation microbial technologies for certified cotton systems.
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Through strategic partnerships and rigorous trialling, we are building a new standard for what’s possible in sustainable cotton: one rooted in scientific evidence, measurable results, and practical scalability.
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Our work connects cotton growers, certifiers, and fashion brands with solutions that are already delivering improvements in yield, input efficiency, and environmental performance.
UNIVERSITY COTTON TRIAL RESULTS
Through partnering with leading US cotton research institutions we have validated the benefits of microbial consortia for use on cotton.
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Mississippi State University Field Trials: Demonstrated a numerical cotton yield increase of 10.3% with a 22% reduction in fertiliser application, demonstrating a substantial ROI for growers and key environmental benefits.
University of California (UC Davis) Greenhouse Trials: Demonstrated a 6.5% yield increase with a 30% fertiliser reduction, while also improving cotton fibre quality, strength and length, as well as demonstrating increased nutrient efficiency, soil health benefits and moisture retention.
SCALING US FIELD TRIALS
In 2025, Biothread is actively conducting over 350 acres of cotton trials across the U.S. to gather region-specific data and enable certification-aligned progress. Trials include:
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ROC & GOTS Trials (Texas) – With leading organic growers
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SUPIMA Trials (Arizona & Texas) – Focused on fibre performance
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Staplcotn Network (Mid-South) – Regenagri-aligned trials across five states
This robust, geographically diverse trial network allows us to gather real-world data to inform our tools, support brand pilots, and validate progress against certification and ESG frameworks.
PARTNERSHIPS
Validated by Leading Institutions, Powered by Scientific Collaboration
Biolevel: We are now into the third year of our Biolevel partnership. Biothread has been leading the US university trials and certified farmer field trials to validate the Biolevel microbial consortia on cotton.
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Arborea: Biothread partnered with Arborea in 2025 to commence trials of their algae-based biofertiliser on cotton in partnership with UC Davis. This will also be trialled alongside Biolevel inputs.
MICROBIAL CONSORTIA EXPLAINED
