Type of Biostimulants

What are biostimulants? The simple answer is biostimulants improve plant vigor. They are natural substances or microorganisms used to stimulate plant processes. Biostimulants for plants improve growth via nutrient uptake, insect and disease resistance, crop quality and efficiency. They also improve soil health. Ultimately, the functions of biostimulants improve crop yields by complimenting nutrition and protection initiatives. Biostimulants are gaining popularity among agricultural producers worldwide and are beneficial to many crop types.

The official biostimulant definition from the European Biostimulant Industry Consortium is:

Plant biostimulants contain substance( s) and/or micro-organisms whose function when applied to plants or the rhizosphere is to stimulate natural processes to enhance/benefit nutrient uptake, nutrient efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress, and crop quality.

Biostimulants are commonly confused with Plant Growth Regulators (PGR). The growth regulators definition is a compound that enhances or impedes growth, or changes plant behavior. PGRs can be organic or synthetic. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates use of PGRs.

There are seven types of biostimulants available, including protein hydrolysates; humic and fulvic acids; seaweed extracts and botanicals; chitosan and other biopolymers; inorganic compounds; and beneficial bacteria. Each of these stimulants define different functions for the crop. For example, inorganic compounds aid plant growth.

Protein hydrolysate for plants are one of the most popular biostimulants. They are mixtures of amino acids and peptides, and are collected from animal waste or plants. Protein hydrolysates have multiple functions when applied versus other biostimulants with a singular function.

Europe has the largest biostimulant market, however they are gaining popularity with producers in North America. What does this mean for your agricultural operation? Biostimulants can be used in the following situations:

• To aid plant defenses before or after abiotic stressors,

• To improve soil health,

• If drought conditions are prevalent and water efficiency needs to be increased, or

• The plant could use more vigor to improve growth.

Application of biostimulants is at several points throughout the growing season. The crop and your goals may mean adding biostimulants before or after the growing season too. Many factors influence recommended applications of biostimulants. First, define the needs of the crop. Then, apply the biostimulant, and follow that with the next biostimulant pack at the appropriate interval for the crop and its needs. Application of biostimulants is to the plant or the soil, depending on the crop and biostimulant used.

While biostimulants have received a lot of hype, there is limited research available proving their effectiveness. One option to consider before incorporating them into your agricultural operation is conducting trials on small sections of your crop to determine effectiveness and return on investment.

Limited regulation on biostimulants in North America means that agricultural producers must carefully evaluate any products and their associated claims prior to use. New standards in the European Union are regulating biostimulants with other plant fertilizers.

One key difference between biostimulants and traditional crop inputs is that biostimulants do not provide any of the direct benefits of traditional inputs. We associate crop inputs with control of weeds, insects, or disease. Biostimulants do not take any action. They will help improve plant vigor, and that in turn can make the plant more resistant to insects, disease, or weeds. Applying the biostimulant will not take direct action against the stressor.

Biostimulants have promise for crop use on agricultural operations. They are not a cure all. Evaluate the crop, field, and growing conditions. Then, it is imperative to match the correct biostimulant to the crop to see optimal results. As with any crop input, success will also depend on timing and appropriate application rates. Correct use of biostimulants provides another tool to improve crops on our operations.