How Do Biostimulants Reduce the Requirement of Fertilizers in Agriculture

Today, fertilizers are considered an integral part of modern agriculture.

One of the reasons fertilizers are widely used is that they provide essential nutrients for enhanced plant growth and improved crop productivity.

However, the overuse of fertilizers has had a profound impact on the environment in numerous ways.

It also threatens to impact human health.

The use of chemical fertilizers has adverse effects on the water bodies.

The nutrients are washed off from farms and reach nearby rivers, lakes, and ponds, causing eutrophication.

This phenomenon leads to oxygen depletion, causing fish to die and ultimately resulting in the death of other aquatic organisms.

Moreover, it results in the development of dead zones, which are oxygen-free areas where no living organism can survive.

For example, the Gulf of Mexico, which spans 20,140 square kilometers, and the Baltic Sea, which covers an area of 60,000 square kilometers, are considered dead zones due to water pollution caused by fertilizers.

The use of chemical fertilizers can also pollute sources of drinking water.

It can be harmful to human health and may cause different types of diseases.

Besides, chemical fertilizers have low use efficiency.

It means that plants absorb only a portion of the nutrients from fertilizers.

For example, important nutrients like Phosphorus, after being added to the soil, precipitate and thus remain less available for plants.

Additionally, Nitrogen, another essential nutrient, can become depleted due to factors such as nitrate leaching.

Sustainable agriculture, which promotes eco-friendly and safe methods to enhance crop yield and plant growth, has gained significance in recent times.

Due to the increasing population and consequent food demand, it is now crucial to utilize agricultural solutions that enhance productivity without compromising the environment or human health.

Recent research and studies have demonstrated that biostimulants are a viable option for promoting plant growth without adverse side effects and reducing dependency on fertilizers.

Role of Biostimulants

Biostimulants can be defined as a mixture of substances or microorganisms that help in improving crop conditions without causing any negative impact on the environment.

Various studies have shown that biostimulants can be used as an additive to fertilizers, thereby reducing the need for fertilizer.

It can also help in nutrient uptake, plant growth, and tolerance against abiotic stress.

There are various application methods for biostimulants.

It can be used in various forms, including soil preparations such as powder or granules, or as a liquid foliar product.

It is important to note that biostimulants are not fertilizers as they do not provide nutrients to plants.

On the other hand, it supports metabolic processes in plants that help in the uptake of essential nutrients.

Studies on the effect of biostimulants in agriculture have shown that they can positively increase yields.

It means the quality of vegetables and fruit is enhanced.

Moreover, it can be regarded as the amount of fruit/vegetables grown from one plant or plot.

Additionally, biostimulants have a positive impact on the growth and size of various plant varieties, as well as their physical characteristics, chemical composition, and antioxidant properties.

Thus, the use of biostimulants on a commercial scale can reduce the dependence on fertilizers.

Consequently, it can reduce water pollution and overcome the limitations of using chemical fertilizers.

Microbial biostimulants, such as Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), are known as highly capable preparations that enhance crop productivity, nutrient uptake, and resistance to abiotic stresses and pests.

Plant growth-promoting bacteria also serve as biofertilizers, regulating plant growth, inducing systemic disease resistance, enhancing plant growth, maintaining soil fertility, and providing resistance to water stress and salinity stress.

Organic Biotech is a leading company offering innovative solutions that promote sustainable agriculture.

The Magic Gro range of products contains highly beneficial microbes that can adapt to different geo-climatic conditions and maintain a healthy ecological balance in the soil.

It enhances soil quality and boosts crop vigour, resulting in increased yields.

Additionally, biostimulants also increase immunity against biotic and abiotic stress, thereby boosting overall crop productivity.

Magic Gro’s range of products is well known for enhancing plant nutrient uptake and assimilation.

For sustainable farming and to meet future food demand, the use of microbial biostimulants, such as Magic Gro products, will help increase crop productivity and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers.

Also read:

• Role of Microbial Biostimulants in Mitigating the Effects of Climate Change
  
• The Use of Biostimulants for Enhancing Soil Nutrient Content
  
• Microbes In Agriculture And Their Role In Plant Growth Promotion
• The Use of Biostimulants for Enhancing Soil Nutrient Content
• The Role of Biostimulants In Modern Agriculture
• Biostimulants in Agriculture: Challenges, Function, and Efficacy
• Role of Microbial Biostimulants in Mitigating the Effects of Climate Change
• What Can We Learn From the COVID-19 Pandemic To Prevent Plant Disease Epidemics