Foliar Biostimulants

In addition to their direct benefits on plants, foliar biostimulants play a crucial role in integrated crop management. By strengthening plants from the outside, these biostimulants help reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers and pesticides, contributing to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture. The application of foliar biostimulants is an agronomic practice that aligns with the principles of regenerative agriculture, seeking not only short-term yields but also the long-term health of the agricultural ecosystem

Types and Applications of Foliar Biostimulants

Within agricultural biostimulants, foliar biostimulants represent a key innovation in sustainable agriculture, offering a wide range of applications to improve plant health and productivity. These products, ranging from protein hydrolysates to algae extracts and chitosan, are applied directly to leaves to stimulate plant growth, increase resistance to environmental stress and optimise nutrient uptake. Their use facilitates more efficient agricultural management, boosting yields without compromising the natural environment. The diversity in types of foliar biostimulants allows growers to choose the most suitable product for their specific crops, taking into account environmental conditions and the nutritional needs of the plants. From enhancing photosynthesis to strengthening natural defences against pathogens, foliar biostimulants have become essential tools to maximise the effectiveness of plant nutrition programmes and ensure more abundant and higher quality crops. Their regular application can make a difference to crop yields, underlining the importance of innovative and responsible agriculture

Protein Hydrolysates: Power Under Stress

Protein hydrolysates emerge as a strategic ally in the management of agricultural stress, offering an effective solution to boost plant resilience under adverse conditions. These biostimulants, derived from the controlled degradation of proteins, provide a rich spectrum of amino acids, polypeptides and oligopeptides, crucial elements for plant development. Their application strengthens the physiological processes of plants, improving their ability to cope with abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and temperature extremes, thus optimising crop yields. The functionality of protein hydrolysates goes beyond simple nutrition; they act as molecular signallers that trigger adaptive responses in plants. When integrated into agricultural management programmes, these compounds stimulate the expression of genes related to stress resistance, promote better nutrient assimilation and strengthen the plant immune system. This dynamic not only increases the quality and quantity of agricultural production, but also contributes to a more sustainable and resilient agriculture in the face of climate challenges

Algae Extracts: Vitality and Resilience

Algae extracts, especially those derived from Ascophyllum nodosum, a brown algae, are revolutionising the field of sustainable agriculture thanks to their multiple benefits. These extracts act as potent biostimulants, encouraging plants to produce their own hormones, improve nutrient uptake and translocation from the soil, and offer a range of advantages such as increased growth, rapid seed germination, and greater resistance to disease and stress conditions. The active components, including betaines, mannitol, and alginic acid, play a crucial role in these processes, benefiting both plant and soil health. In addition, Ascophyllum nodosum extracts not only directly benefit plants but also the soil, improving its physical, chemical and biological properties, which promotes a healthier and more productive growing environment. These extracts can be applied in a variety of ways, including foliar, soil or seed treatment, adapted to the specific needs of each crop and farm management strategy

Benefits and functions of foliar biostimulants

Foliar biostimulants play a crucial role in mode agriculture, significantly improving plant health and yield. These products, applied directly to leaves, stimulate natural processes within plants to increase nutrient uptake, improve stress tolerance and accelerate growth. By positively influencing plant metabolism, foliar biostimulants not only improve the quality and quantity of agricultural yields, but also contribute to the sustainability of agricultural practices, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers and pesticides. In addition, the application of foliar biostimulants strengthens plants’ natural defences against diseases and pests, minimising reliance on chemical interventions. These natural or synthetic products support a healthier growing environment by promoting beneficial microbial activity in the soil, resulting in a stronger root system and improved water and nutrient use efficiency. By incorporating foliar biostimulants into crop management, farmers can expect more resilient and sustainable harvests, marking a step forward in environmentally conscious and responsible agriculture

Frequently Asked Questions about Agricultural Biostimulants

Agricultural biostimulants are transforming the way we farm, offering a sustainable way to improve plant growth and soil health. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about these innovative products, which are designed to stimulate natural processes in plants and soil, improving their resistance to stress and increasing the efficiency of nutrient uptake

what exactly are agricultural biostimulants?

Agricultural biostimulants are substances or microorganisms that, when applied to plants, seeds or soil, improve plant nutrition, stimulate natural growth and help plants resist stressful conditions. These can include a variety of ingredients such as humic acids, algae extracts, amino acids, and beneficial microorganisms

how do biostimulants work on plants?

Biostimulants act through several mechanisms, such as improving nutrient uptake, stimulating root growth, increasing tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and improving soil quality. In doing so, they contribute to healthy plant development and can result in increased crop yields

can agricultural biostimulants replace fertilisers?

While biostimulants improve the efficiency of fertilisers and can reduce the need for chemical applications, they are not intended to replace them completely. Instead, they are used in conjunction with an integrated crop management plan to maximise plant health and crop productivity.