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Agricultural Biostimulants: What They Are, Types, and How to Apply Them Correctly
July 17, 2025Terramare Obtains the European Biostimulant Registration (43296 FPC-6)
October 10, 2025Want to multiply your crops and plants naturally and economically?
Propagation by cuttings is an essential technique in agricultural and horticultural systems, allowing for the clonal reproduction of plant species by inducing roots in selected fragments of mother plants.
This technical guide details the rooting process, including the physiological and environmental factors that affect it, as well as best practices—both traditional and based on natural biostimulants—to maximize efficiency and yield in crop multiplication.

What is Rooting and Why is it Important?
Rooting is the process by which cuttings develop new roots, allowing them to become independent plants. This process is crucial for vegetative propagation and the multiplication of commercial crops and agriculturally important plants.
Importance of Roots for Growth
Roots are fundamental in any agricultural system because they:

Efficiently absorb water and nutrients from the soil

Provide stability and anchorage to crops

Store energy reserves that enhance productivity

Facilitate gas exchange in the agricultural substrate
A well-developed root system also significantly improves nutrient use efficiency, resulting in more productive, resilient, and profitable crops.
Key Factors for Successful Rooting
To achieve optimal rooting in agricultural crops and intensive production systems, consider the following environmental and nutritional factors:

Proper temperature
The ideal temperature for rooting in agricultural systems ranges between 20–25°C. In commercial crops, maintaining this temperature is crucial as extreme variations can inhibit root formation or cause economic losses due to cutting death.

Optimal humidity levels
In commercial propagation systems, maintain a relative humidity of 80–90% to prevent dehydration of the cuttings. In greenhouses and production tunnels, you can control humidity using misting systems or by creating controlled microenvironments.

Necessary nutrients and fertilizers
In commercial crops, cuttings need balanced nutrition during the rooting process. Good rooting also optimizes nitrogen use in plants. Avoid fertilizers with high salinity that may cause phytotoxicity in developing structures.

Presence of beneficial microorganisms
Beneficial soil microorganisms, such as mycorrhizae and rhizobacteria, play a fundamental role in the rooting process by improving substrate structure, facilitating nutrient absorption, and protecting against root pathogens.
Natural and biotechnological rooting agents for agricultura
Natural active ingredients for rooting
Natural rooting agents contain bioactive compounds that stimulate root formation. Among the most effective are:
Natural auxins
Natural auxins are plant hormones that stimulate root formation and are found in various natural sources.

Seaweed extracts
Contain multiple bioactive compounds that promote root development and improve plant resistance.

Humic and fulvic acids
Improve soil structure and facilitate nutrient absorption during the rooting process.
Types of rooting agents: from homemade to marine biotechnological

Homemade natural rooting agents
Homemade rooting agents are an excellent option for amateur gardeners and small propagation projects.
How to root cuttings in wáter
- Cut 10–15 cm cuttings from healthy and vigorous mother plants
- Remove the lower leaves to reduce transpiration
- Place the cuttings in containers with clean water
- Add diluted natural biostimulant according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
- Change the water every 3–4 days to prevent bacterial proliferation
- Transplant to substrate when roots reach 2–3 cm in length


Rooting in substrate
- Prepare a professional mix of peat and perlite (50:50) with good drainage
- Moisten the substrate with diluted marine biostimulant
- Plant the cuttings burying 1/3 of their length
- Maintain constant moisture without waterlogging to avoid rot
- Place in a bright environment but protected from direct sunlight
- Control temperature between 20–25°C to optimize the process
Alternative natural rooting agents

Rooting with Plant Extracts:
- Extract the gel from an aloe vera leaf
- Mix with water in a 1:2 ratio
- Apply directly to the base of the cuttings

Rooting with Willow:
- Cut young willow branches
- Boil in water for 20 minutes
- Let cool and use the resulting wáter
To learn more about the importance of biostimulants in modern agriculture, you can consult our specialized resources.
Rooting times by crop type

Horticultural crops
(tomato, pepper, eggplant):
1–2 weeks

Stone fruits
(peach, plum, cherry):
4–8 weeks

Citrus
(orange, lemon, mandarin):
6–10 weeks

Aromatic crops
(rosemary, thyme, oregano):
2–4 weeks

Succulent and fleshy plants:
3–6 weeks
Advanced tips for rooting success

Selection of plant material for commercial propagation
01
- Choose cuttings from certified, healthy mother plants with a good production history
- Make cuts during cool hours of the day (early morning) when turgor is highest
- Use sharp, disinfected cutting tools to avoid pathogen transmission
- Select current-year shoots with semi-woody tissue for better rooting
- Maintain the cold chain if the process is carried out on a commercial scale
Post-rooting management in production systems
02
Once the cuttings have developed a functional root system:
- Gradually transplant to larger containers following a planned schedule
- Gradually reduce watering frequency to stimulate root growth
- Introduce balanced fertilization according to the specific needs of the crop
- Gradually acclimate plants to final field or greenhouse conditions
- Implement a phytosanitary monitoring program to prevent diseases
Common problems and solutions
03
- Cutting rot: Improve substrate drainage, reduce ambient humidity, and increase ventilation
- Lack of rooting: Check temperature and humidity conditions and apply natural or commercial biostimulants as needed
- Leaf yellowing: Normal during the rooting process, remove only fully necrotic leaves
- Fungal attacks: Implement preventive treatments with biological fungicides compatible with organic production
Advantages of Natural vs Commercial Rooting Agents
Benefits of Lentil Rooting Agent
- Economical: Costs a fraction of commercial products
- Ecological: 100% natural and biodegradable
- Safe: Contains no toxic chemicals
- Effective: Natural auxins are highly effective
- Easy to prepare: Ingredients available in any kitchen

Commercial rooting agents:
Marine-based Cystium-a
Cystium-a is a professional marine-based rooting agent that uses pure extracts from Laminariaceae seaweed. This product is part of the growing marine biostimulant industry and offers:

- Advanced TRD technology: Ensures product stability and unique characteristics
- Natural bioactive compounds: Essential for rooting and plant development
- Professional application: Ideal for intensive and extensive crops
- Dosage: 2L/ha both foliar and via fertigation
- Versatility: Compatible with other agricultural inputs
Comparison: Natural vs Commercial vs Marine
| Característica | Enraizante Lentejas | Enraizantes Sintéticos | Cystium-a Marino |
| Origen | 100% natural casero | Químico sintético | Marino biotecnológico |
| Costo | Muy económico | Moderado | Profesional |
| Efectividad | Alta | Alta | Muy alta |
| Facilidad de uso | Fácil preparación | Listo para usar | Listo para usar |
| Sostenibilidad | Máxima | Baja | Alta |
Final considerations
Successful rooting of cuttings with natural biostimulants and advanced marine technology is an accessible technique that any agricultural producer can master. The key is to maintain proper environmental conditions, choose the appropriate rooting agent for each crop type, and be patient during the process.
Remember that each cultivated species has its own rooting characteristics and timelines. Experiment with different techniques and keep a record of your results to refine your propagation method.
With practice and the right biostimulants, you can multiply all your commercially important crops economically and sustainably, optimizing the profitability of your agricultural operation and contributing to more efficient production systems.
Implement these professional propagation techniques in your production system today and discover the potential of marine biostimulants to improve your agricultural production!