Organic Farming Innovations:
The Impact of Biostimulants in Agriculture

Agriculture forms a fundamental cornerstone of society, supplying an array of food and a vast range of raw materials. Moreover, with the population on the rise, the demand for these products is also increasing.

This escalating demand has necessitated the exploration of various methods to enhance production yields, reduce cultivation times, and exploit previously untapped lands.

Historically, the primary approach to boost plant capacities involved the extensive use of chemical fertilisers, which led to the contamination of adjacent water bodies, salt damage on plants, and significant disruptions to the ecosystem. In more recent years, the push towards reducing chemical product usage has gained momentum. Among the myriad options available, we at Condalab would like to highlight the role of biostimulants in agriculture.

Microorganisms as Fertiliser

Biostimulants, encompassing microorganisms or their derivatives, stimulate the natural processes within plants, offering multiple benefits:

• They enhance the absorption and assimilation of nutrients in the soil.
• They regulate the hormonal status of the plant, boosting growth and development.
• They provide protection from abiotic stress, caused by harmful levels of soil moisture, temperature, salinity, pH, and metals.
• They improve agrifood properties.

Biostimulants consist of fungi, bacteria, and their active metabolites. Fungi are typically mycorrhizal, meaning they live in symbiosis with plants at their roots, thereby increasing the root surface and enhancing the uptake of nutrients and water.

Bacteria, primarily those associated with the rhizosphere, facilitate mineral uptake and bolster resistance against abiotic stress. Active metabolites are substances secreted by these microorganisms that create beneficial effects.

It is crucial to note that biostimulants should not be mistaken for plant hormones or compounds that directly manage health or actively inhibit the growth of pathogens. Nor should they be confused with organic mixtures acting merely as nutrient sources.

The attributes that set them apart include their high absorption rate, the ability to easily penetrate plant tissues, the stimulation of gene expression, impacts on hormone signalling or metabolic regulation, and the minimal doses required, typically in dilutions of about 0.25%.

The primary methods of administering biostimulants are summarised in the follicular route, as added in irrigation or inoculated into the seed during planting.

How Far This Technology Extends

Europe is currently the world’s foremost consumer of biostimulants. Consumption is projected to reach 1.58 billion USD by 2024, with demand expected to continue its upward trajectory for at least the next five years.

The types of crops that can be supplemented are highly varied, but the most commonly consumed in order of preference are:

• Necessities such as cereals and grains, e.g., corn, wheat, and rice.
• Fruit trees: the development of a fleshy fruit requires a significant amount of energy, thus the use of these stimulants greatly enhances their growth.
• Short-cycle vegetables, such as lettuce, beets, or spinach.

Both the microorganisms and their metabolites are not produced in a chemical plant, but rather through bioreactors. To achieve the desired cell density, the culture medium must be calibrated with the appropriate ingredients.

The Best Way to Produce Them

Condalab offers an extensive range of bioingredients to fine-tune the media. Each type of peptone or extract may have a different impact depending on the microorganism of interest, but generally speaking, few produce growth comparable to that of yeast extract.

Yeast extract, an autolysate of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is rich in amino acids, growth factors, and B vitamins and is ideal for increasing cell density in bioprocesses. This hydrolysate has demonstrated its positive effects on the most common microorganisms in agrobiotechnology under multiple circumstances.

Biostimulants have already become indispensable in enhancing the yields and quality of crops. Meeting the growing demand can only be achieved with the best ingredients and through organic farming innovations. If you would like to know more, don’t hesitate to contact us.

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