A biostimulant is a substance or microorganism applied to plants, seeds, or soil to improve nutrient efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress (such as drought, cold, salinity), crop quality, and/or nutrient availability in the soil. Unlike traditional fertilizers, biostimulants are not just sources of nutrients but act on the natural processes of plants to enhance their growth, development, and yield.
In this sense, it is important to understand new concepts of modern agriculture such as Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE), as this measure allows us to evaluate the positive impact of biostimulants on nutrient utilization by plants.
This term is used to describe a wide variety of natural substances and microorganisms used to improve nutrient use efficiency, crop quality, and environmental stress tolerance. This new concept delineates the scope of biostimulants and establishes their differentiation from other agricultural inputs.
A biostimulant should not be confused with a fertilizer or a growth regulator, as its main function is to enhance plant growth through the activation of biological processes. This makes it a fundamental tool for modern agriculture, which seeks to increase production sustainably and environmentally friendly while reducing conventional fertilization.
Biostimulants are distinguished from other agricultural products such as fertilizers and growth regulators because they do not directly nourish plants or function as hormones. For example, the use of organic fertilizers also positively impacts soil health and nutrient absorption, but biostimulants act differently by promoting nutrient use efficiency and improving plant resistance to environmental stress conditions.
Organic biostimulants are composed of natural materials, such as plant extracts. In contrast, ecological biostimulants also comply with specific production standards to be certified as sustainable. Homemade biostimulants, on the other hand, are solutions prepared from common ingredients like compost or seaweed tea, which can be applied to plants to improve their performance.
These organic and ecological products are becoming increasingly popular due to the growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices. By using natural biostimulants, farmers can improve soil health and crop productivity without resorting to aggressive chemical products, favoring biodiversity, and reducing environmental impact.
Within the range of natural ingredient biostimulants, we can distinguish several groups based on the raw material they are made from.
These are the most popular. They are obtained from distinct species of algae and are rich in natural plant hormones (cytokinins, auxins, and gibberellins), as well as minerals, vitamins, and amino acids.
Brown algae, from the Laminariaceae family, have shown the best results in both intensive and extensive crops: they improve rooting, resistance to environmental stress (drought, heat, cold, or salinity), increase water retention capacity, and achieve higher plant yields, with significant productivity increases that directly benefit the farmer.
These come from the decomposition of organic matter in soils or leonardite deposits. Humic acids are larger and act long-term, while fulvic acids are smaller and soluble, with more immediate effects.
Both improve soil structure, increase water retention capacity, and facilitate nutrient absorption by roots.
These derive from the enzymatic or chemical decomposition of plant or animal proteins.
They promote plant development under stress conditions and improve protein synthesis and overall growth.
Active compounds are extracted from specific plants, such as Trigonella foenum-graecum or Moringa oleifera, which contain natural hormones and antioxidants.
They can improve plant growth and increase resistance to pests and diseases.
Derived from chitin found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans like shrimp and crabs. It is a
natural polymer that acts as a biostimulant and biofungicide.
It improves plant resistance to pathogens, strengthens cell walls, and enhances the plant’s immune response.
Biostimulants containing beneficial bacteria and fungi that improve plant-soil interactions.
Microbial strains like lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum), yeasts, or fungi (Saccharomyces c.) increase nutrient absorption, especially phosphorus, and improve soil health, helping plants resist biotic and abiotic stress.
Although not essential for all plants, silicon can function as a natural biostimulant by strengthening cell walls.
It increases mechanical resistance to pests and diseases and improves drought and salinity tolerance.
Leonardite is a natural source of organic matter rich in humic and fulvic acids.
It improves soil structure, facilitates nutrient absorption, and stimulates root growth.
Biostimulants have specific applications depending on crop needs. Rooting biostimulants promote the development of deeper and denser roots, while foliar biostimulants are applied directly to leaves to improve photosynthesis and nutrient absorption efficiency.
Other products, such as flowering biostimulants, are used to increase the quantity and quality of flowers, which in turn improves fruit set and growth.
In cases of phytotoxicity, seaweed-based biostimulants are particularly useful for mitigating this problem. You can find more information on how to alleviate phytotoxicity thanks to the action of these biostimulants in this article: Alleviating Phytotoxicity with Seaweed Biostimulants.
Biostimulants are effectively applied to a wide variety of crops, both intensive and extensive. Each has specific needs that are favored using these products.
In tomato crops, for example, biostimulants improve fruit quality by promoting uniform development and reducing disease incidence.
A success story where Ficosterra applied its solutions with positive results is BeeNatural in Peru, where seaweed extract biostimulants were implemented to improve tomato resistance to water stress and increase productivity. Improved root health and uniform fruit development resulted in a significant increase in crop production and quality. More details of this study can be found on our case study website.
In the case of corn crops, biostimulants can increase nitrogen use efficiency, resulting in more vigorous growth and greater biomass production. This is the result we have observed in projects developed at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, where the use of biostimulants like those from Ficosterra improved nitrogen and phosphorus absorption, optimizing fertilization and reducing the use of agrochemicals. This aligns with our vision of more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture.
In wheat and soybean crops, biostimulants help improve drought stress resistance and optimize the absorption of nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium, necessary for the development of strong seeds.
Also, in cocoa and potato crops, biostimulants are also used to increase plant resistance to pests and diseases such as monilia and late blight, respectively, ensuring high-quality harvests and improving overall crop yield. Studies conducted in Mexico with small cocoa producers showed how Ficosterra seaweed biostimulants reduced the incidence of foliar and root diseases, improving plant vitality and fruit quality.
On the other hand, Ficosterra has worked with excellent results with the application of its probiotic and prebiotic biostimulants on sports turf. If you are interested in this topic, you can find more information in this post published by one of our clients. In this case, seaweed extract and microorganism biostimulants have been fundamental in promoting stronger rooting, faster recovery after wear, and superior resistance to compaction and stress caused by continuous traffic. Turf treated with seaweed biostimulants presents greater density and a healthier appearance, making it a preferred option for sports fields and high-use areas.
Each of these cases demonstrates how biostimulants adapt to the specific needs of each crop, optimizing plant growth and resistance while promoting more sustainable and efficient agriculture.
Biostimulants help plants develop a more robust root system, facilitating water and nutrient absorption, even in poor or compacted soils. This is because these new inputs promote the activity of enzymes that regulate growth and the formation of new roots, increasing the plant’s ability to explore the soil and extract nutrients.
Additionally, biostimulants increase plant tolerance to abiotic stress situations such as drought, cold, salinity, and extreme temperatures. By acting on the natural defense mechanisms of plants, biostimulants allow plants to maintain constant growth even under unfavorable conditions.
Biostimulants contribute to greater uniformity and size of fruits, improving their organoleptic quality (taste, aroma, and texture). This is especially relevant in fruit and vegetable crops, where the appearance and quality of the fruits determine their commercial value.
In flowering, biostimulants play a fundamental role by promoting the production of more numerous and higher quality flowers. This increases fruit set (the transition phase from flower to fruit) and reduces premature flower drop, ensuring a greater number of fruits per plant.
If your crop is citrus, we encourage you to watch this short video on the application of the ficosagro® biostimulant in citrus, where Juanjo Sánchez López, a field technician from Sagunto (Spain), with over 30 years of experience, shares his experience with the flowering of his orange trees.
Furthermore, biostimulants containing auxins (natural hormones) facilitate cell expansion, resulting in larger and more uniform fruits.
It is important to note that not all biostimulants have the same types of hormones or the same concentration in the formulation. For more information on the use of natural auxins, you can consult this article on auxins and their benefits in agriculture.
Regenerative and microbial biostimulants have a positive effect on soil health by increasing microbial activity and nutrient availability. Applying these biostimulants promotes a balance in the soil’s microbial community, resulting in greater organic matter decomposition and more efficient release of essential nutrients for plants.
These products can also reduce soil compaction and improve its structure, increasing the soil’s capacity to retain water and air. This favors root development and reduces erosion, especially in soils subjected to intensive cultivation or poor agricultural practices. If you are interested in learning more about fertilizers and their effects on sustainable agriculture, you can read the article on organic vs. synthetic fertilizers.
An agricultural biostimulant is a product used to improve plant growth, resistance, and quality. It works by optimizing the physiological processes of plants. These products can contain plant extracts, amino acids, microorganisms, or synthetic compounds designed to stimulate plant growth.
A fertilizer provides essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, while a biostimulant acts on the plant’s physiological processes to improve the absorption and utilization of these nutrients. Biostimulants do not replace fertilizers but complement them.Where can biostimulants be purchased?
Biostimulants can be purchased at stores specializing in agricultural products, nurseries, or online platforms.
The price of biostimulants varies depending on the type of product and the brand. Products based on seaweed extracts, for example, may have a higher cost due to their production process and the concentration of bioactive compounds.
Yes, biostimulants are considered a sustainable alternative in agriculture, as many of them are composed of natural ingredients and contribute to soil and plant health. However, it is important to follow usage recommendations to avoid excessive applications.
Yes, many biostimulants are certified for use in organic farming, especially those composed of organic materials and free from synthetic substances and aggressive chemicals.
In modern agriculture, biostimulants play a crucial role in promoting healthy plant growth, improving fruit quality, and reducing the impact of environmental stress on plants. If you want to explore more about the applications of biostimulants in sustainable agriculture, we recommend consulting articles such as “The Use of Algae as Fertilizer: The Best Option for Sustainable Agriculture” and “Gibberellins: Key in Crop Development.”
Whether used in large-scale farming or urban gardens, biostimulants represent a significant advance towards more sustainable and efficient agriculture. As research in this field continues to develop, we are likely to see even greater expansion in their use and a diversification of products that meet specific needs for each crop.
For anyone interested in maximizing their crop yields and ensuring sustainable and high-quality production, biostimulants are an option worth exploring.
Do you want to maximize your crop yields and make the most of the power of biostimulants? Contact Ficosterra. We are experts in developing innovative and sustainable marine-based solutions for agricultural applications. Our team of specialists is ready to advise you and help you implement the best strategy for the healthy growth of your plants.
You can email us at info@ficosterra.com for more information about our products and services.
Do not wait any longer and take the next step towards efficient and environmentally friendly agricultural production!
Sources: AEFA Spanish Association of Agronutrient Manufacturers
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