Biostimulants are a topic well known to professionals in the agricultural field. They have gained popularity in recent years as a modern and cutting-edge concept. However, despite this awareness, its exact definition appears to lack clarity.
So, what exactly do biostimulants mean?
In 1997, Zhang and Schmidt, experts in the Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech and State University, defined a biostimulant as "a small amount of material that promotes plant growth."
By emphasizing the word "small amount," the experts aim to distinguish biostimulants from nutrients and soil amendments. The term "biostimulant" itself was coined by horticultural experts to describe substances that promote plant growth without being classified as nutrients, soil amendments or pesticides.
In general, we can understand biostimulants from two aspects:
their origin and use. Biostimulants should be derived from living organisms such as plants, animals or microorganisms. The term "stimulant" refers to a substance having the ability to stimulate, stimulate, induce and regulate plant growth.
Therefore, biostimulants should not be used in amounts comparable to synthetic fertilizers. In fact, it should be much less. When biostimulant-related products are introduced, the easiest way to determine their effectiveness is to check the recommended usage. This will allow you to determine the active level of the biostimulant and make an informed decision.
Biostimulants and organic fertilizers may be similar in some respects, but they are not identical.
Biostimulants are substances extracted from active biological sources such as plants, animals or microorganisms, which have the functions of stimulating plant growth, promoting plant health and resisting adversity. Biostimulants can enhance plant root development, improve nutrient absorption capacity, and enhance stress resistance.
Organic fertilizers refer to fertilizers made of natural organic substances such as animal and plant residues, manure, waste, etc., and their main functions are to provide nutrients for plants and improve soil structure. Organic fertilizers promote the growth and development of plants by providing them with the nutrients they need.
Although both biostimulants and organic fertilizers can have a positive effect on plant growth, their mechanisms of action and purposes are not identical. Biostimulants focus more on the regulation and activation of plant physiological processes, while organic fertilizers mainly provide nutrients and improve soil quality.
To use biostimulants and organic fertilizers rationally, people can choose to use them according to the needs of specific crops and soil conditions. In actual application, they can be used in combination according to specific conditions to maximize plant growth and healthy development.
Post time: Jun-04-2019
