Biostimulants are products that stimulate natural processes in plants and soil to improve growth, nutrient utilization, and stress resilience. Unlike fertilizers, biostimulants contain no or hardly any direct nutrients, but enhance the efficiency and functioning of existing fertilization and cultivation systems.

Due to increasing attention to sustainability, soil health, and efficient use of raw materials, biostimulants are playing an increasingly important role in modern agriculture and the agro-industry.

What are biostimulants?

Biostimulants are substances or microorganisms that, when applied to plants or soil, activate natural processes. These processes contribute to better nutrient uptake, stronger root development, and higher tolerance to abiotic stress such as drought, heat, or salinity.

Biostimulants are applied via the soil, the leaves, or the root environment, complementing fertilizers and soil improvers.

Difference between biostimulants and fertilizers

While fertilizers focus on supplying nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, biostimulants aim to optimize the processes through which plants absorb and utilize these nutrients.

In practice, biostimulants are often used in combination with organic or sustainable fertilizers to increase fertilization efficiency and minimize losses.

Types of biostimulants

There are different categories of biostimulants, each with its own mode of action and application:

• Humic and fulvic acids ? improve nutrient availability and soil structure.
• Microbial biostimulants ? stimulate soil life and root interaction.
• Plant and algae extracts ? support growth, stress tolerance, and metabolism.
• Amino acids and peptides ? promote quick uptake and recovery after stress.

Role of biostimulants in soil

In the soil, biostimulants contribute to a more active and stable soil life. They support organic matter decomposition, improve nutrient availability, and contribute to better soil structure.

This makes the soil more resilient and better able to retain water and nutrients, which is essential for sustainable soil management strategies.

Biostimulants and plant resilience

An important benefit of biostimulants is their effect on the stress tolerance of plants. By activating natural defense mechanisms, crops can better cope with changing growth conditions.

This leads to more stable growth, better root development, and more efficient photosynthesis, even under less optimal conditions.

Combination with sustainable fertilizers

Biostimulants are most effective when used as part of an integrated fertilization strategy. In combination with sustainable fertilizers, they provide:

• Higher nutrient efficiency.
• Less losses due to leaching.
• Better utilization of organic fertilizers.
• Strengthening of soil health.

As a result, biostimulants directly contribute to lower input costs and better environmental performance.

Biostimulants within circular agriculture

In circular and bio-based agricultural systems, biostimulants support the optimal functioning of soil and plants. They help utilize residual streams more efficiently and strengthen natural nutrient and carbon cycles.

For companies in the agri-food chain, biostimulants offer opportunities to make products and processes more sustainable without sacrificing productivity.

Application and strategy

The use of biostimulants requires tailored approaches. Factors such as soil type, crop, growth stage, and combination with other inputs determine the optimal timing and proper application.

By strategically integrating biostimulants into the fertilization and cultivation system, a robust approach is created that contributes to sustainable agriculture in the future.

Summary

Biostimulants are a powerful tool within modern agricultural systems. They improve fertilization efficiency, strengthen soil health, and increase crop resilience. In combination with sustainable fertilizers, biostimulants are an essential component of circular and efficient agriculture.