Biostimulants and enhanced nutrient fertilizers are designed to enhance crop nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, root growth, and overall quality traits by regulating physiological and biochemical processes. But what are they, and how do they work?
What are biostimulants or enhanced nutrient fertilizers?
Biostimulants are substances or organisms applied to crops to enhance nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, root growth, and overall plant quality. They stimulate natural processes within plants, such as nutrient absorption, root development, and stress response mechanisms.
How are biostimulants being used in the Canada?
ICL’s research finds that when paired with starter fertilizers, biologicals or biostimulants can improve early-season growth and nutrient acquisition, leading to increased crop yields. Across Canada, growers integrate enhanced solutions into their agricultural practices as part of a holistic approach to crop management, aiming to achieve higher yields, improved crop quality, and sustainable production systems.
- Synergistic Nutrient Utilization: Our agronomists suggest combining biostimulants with other nutrient sources like starter fertilizer blends or broadcast soil treatments for optimal results.
- Compatibility with Acidifying Fertilizers for improved P Efficiency: Biostimulants or biologicals seamlessly integrate with various acidifying water-soluble fertilizers, including Nova PeKacid. The combination can enhance nutrient uptake and improve fertigation program outcomes for irrigated crops.
What are ICL biostimulants and enhanced nutrient fertilizers?
While not yet available in Canada, ICL enhanced nutrient fertilizers and biostimulants are designed to stimulate and regulate these molecular, physiological, and biochemical processes within plants. By inducing these physiological responses, crops can more efficiently make use of available nutrients while increasing their tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses such as heat, drought, and salinity.
ICL’s innovative products can improve:
- Nutrient Use Efficiency
- Root growth
- Soil health
- Stress tolerance
- Crop quality
- Availability of nutrients in the soil
What are common types of biostimulants in the Canada?
Examples of biostimulants include organic compounds, microbial inoculants, and plant extracts, each serving specific purposes to optimize plant growth. In Canada popular biostimulants include:
- humic substances like humic and fulvic acids
- seaweed extracts rich in bioactive compounds like polysaccharides and trace elements
- microbial inoculants fostering symbiotic relationships for nutrient uptake and disease resistance
- amino acids, which signal for enhanced stress responses or function as chelates for micronutrients
- enzyme-based products aiding nutrient release and soil health
These products are often integrated into a comprehensive nutrient management strategy used by farmers to enhance crop productivity, soil health, and sustainability, like ICL’s BIOZ® now available in the US.
Biostimulant usage is typically guided by research, crop nutrient requirements, soil test outcomes, and personal preferences. With advancements in agriculture and technology, the integration of biostimulants into comprehensive nutrient management approaches is anticipated to grow.
If you are using biologicals and biostimulants, connect with us to find an ICL solution can support your program. Connect with an expert today.
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