Explaining The Concept Behind Plant Biostimulants

As a result of climate change, unprecedented drought, famine, fire, and flooding, the interest in plant biostimulants has significantly increased. If this is going to be the future of our food security, let’s explore the concept behind them, find out what they are, and discover how they work.

What are Plant Biostimulants?

A legal definition of plant biostimulants has not yet been decided upon. However, quoting from the European Biostimulants Industry Council, they are explained as: “Substances and/or microorganisms whose function when applied to plants or the rhizosphere is to stimulate natural processes to benefit nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency tolerance to abiotic stress, and/or crop quality, independently of its nutrient content.”

Although plant biostimulants come in varying diversities, there are popular versions of them.

4 Favoured Categories of Plant Biostimulants

Here are four biostimulant categories you should know about:

● Seaweed Extracts – This is derived from seaweed through several extraction processes and is available in liquid or soluble powder form.

● Liquid Manure Composting – Microbial growth conditions are stimulated by mixing water, manure, and exclusive materials to feed specific bacteria. This is then applied as a biofertilizer.

● Humic and Fulvic Acids – Organic matter from decomposed plants, animals, and microbial organisms like that of peat compositions are used to increase the exchange of cations such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium between soils and plant roots.

● Beneficial Bacteria and Fungi – Stimulates root growth by using a concentration of fungi and bacteria, such as rhizobium fungi.

How Do They Work?

The definition is fairly concise, however, there are many benefits of using plant biostimulants.

They have been shown to enhance nutrient uptake and nutrient efficiency. They augment seed germination, plant growth, and crop yield. They have been proven to increase abiotic stress tolerance, boost root development, and increase the energy within the plant. This is done by increasing the cation exchange capacity (CEC), which is the exchange of cations between both the root system and foliage of the plant and the soil or applied fertilizer.

Why Consider Plant Biostimulants?

Global population has more than doubled, from an estimated 3 billion people in 1960 to over 7.5 billion in 2020. Comparatively, arable land has only increased by 11% and climate change has severely impacted land availability for future crop production.

If we are to sustainably secure food security, horticulturalists are going to have to investigate symbiotic relationships, working in conjunction with conventional agricultural fertilizers. It is necessary for them to initiate new and innovative ways of increasing crop yield. The goal is to produce more food off less land.

Natural plant biostimulants are proving to be an extremely viable option. Kynoch biostimulants are pioneering steps in the right direction. Our range of Autus Black and KynoFulvate – Yellow is encouraging this symbiotic solution. Leading the way to sustainable food security.

Call on Kynoch if you need more information about this exclusive range.

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