Introduction

The agricultural biostimulants are natural products that enhance the growth and development of crops, optimizing nutritional efficiency and stress tolerance. These products act at the physiological level, promoting processes such as germination, rooting, and resistance to adverse conditions like droughts or diseases. Their use is supported by SENASA regulations in Argentina, ensuring their quality and effectiveness in sustainable agriculture.

Mechanisms of Action of Biostimulants

Biostimulants operate through various biochemical and physiological mechanisms that influence plant growth. Some of these mechanisms include:

• Stimulation of enzymatic activity: Biostimulants can increase the production of enzymes that are crucial for metabolic processes, such as photosynthesis and respiration. For example, some seaweed extracts have been shown to increase the activity of the enzyme ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), which can improve the photosynthetic efficiency of plants.
• Modulation of plant hormones: Biostimulants often contain phytohormones such as auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins that regulate plant growth and development. These hormones can promote deeper and stronger rooting, which in turn improves water and nutrient absorption.
• Induction of stress resistance: Biostimulants can activate the natural defenses of plants against abiotic stress factors, such as drought and salinity, through the production of secondary metabolites and antioxidant compounds.

Types of biostimulants

There are various types of agricultural biostimulants, classified according to their origin and function. The most common are:

• Seaweed extracts: Rich in plant hormones and nutrients. They have been shown to increase the yield of crops such as corn by 15-20% when applied during the vegetative growth phase.
• Beneficial microorganisms: Help in nutrient absorption and improve soil health. For example, bacteria of the genus Rhizobium can fix atmospheric nitrogen, improving the availability of this essential nutrient for plants.
• Amino acids and peptides: Favor growth and stress resistance. Recent studies have shown that the application of amino acids can increase plant tolerance to drought by 30%.
• Humic and fulvic acids: Improve soil structure and fertility, increasing water retention capacity and nutrient availability.

Price table by type of biostimulant

Examples of Application in the Field

Biostimulants can be applied in various crops and conditions. For example:

• Soybean: In trials conducted in the province of Entre Ríos, the application of a seaweed extract-based biostimulant to soybeans during the flowering phase resulted in an 18% increase in yield compared to untreated crops.
• Corn: In Córdoba, a product based on beneficial microorganisms has been used that, under water stress conditions, showed a 25% increase in biomass of corn plants, improving drought resistance.
• Vegetables: In tomato cultivation in Buenos Aires, farmers who applied amino acids during transplanting reported a 30% reduction in seedling drop and a significant improvement in fruit quality.

Benefits in agriculture

The use of agricultural biostimulants offers multiple benefits:

• Improvement of production: Increase in crop yield. Studies indicate that the use of biostimulants can increase crop yields in a range of 10% to 30% depending on the type and condition of the crop.
• Product quality: Improvement in the quality of fruits and vegetables. For example, biostimulants can increase the sugar content in fruits, improving their taste and commercial value.
• Reduction of chemical inputs: Decrease in the use of fertilizers and pesticides. A study in the province of Santa Fe showed that the use of biostimulants allowed for a 20% reduction in nitrogen fertilizer use without affecting crop yields.
• Adaptation to climate changes: Greater resistance to adverse conditions. Biostimulants have proven effective in mitigating the negative effects of salinity in agricultural soils, improving production in areas affected by this problem.

Relevant Studies on Biostimulants

Several studies have supported the effectiveness of biostimulants in agriculture. A study conducted by the National University of La Plata in 2021 showed that the application of amino acid-based biostimulants in wheat crops resulted in a 22% increase in yield and a 15% improvement in grain quality. Another study in Mendoza evidenced that the use of seaweed extracts in vineyards increased grape production by 20% and improved resistance to fungal diseases.

Our experience

At Ecoganic, we have over 10 years of experience in developing agricultural biostimulants in Argentina and Latin America. We have worked with over 500 farmers in various provinces, optimizing the production of crops such as soybeans, corn, and vegetables. Our products are designed to improve the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural systems, complying with SENASA regulations.

Success Stories

One of our most notable success stories was in a pilot project in the province of Córdoba, where biostimulants were applied in a corn field. The result was a 30% increase in yield compared to the previous season, along with a notable improvement in grain quality. The implementation of these products allowed the farmer to reduce their dependence on chemical fertilizers, benefiting not only their economy but also contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices.

Similarly, in a vegetable crop in Santa Fe, the application of a biostimulant based on beneficial microorganisms resulted in a 40% reduction in pesticide use, thanks to the improvement in soil and plant health, leading to an increase in the production of high-quality vegetables.

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