Understanding the Key Differences and Similarities between Biostimulants and Fertilisers

In the quest for more sustainable and effective agriculture, two major tools are often compared: biostimulants and fertilisers. Both play critical roles in promoting plant growth and enhancing crop yield, but they do so in markedly different ways. Understanding these differences, as well as their similarities, is vital to optimise their use for maximum agricultural productivity. 

Overview of Biostimulants 

Biostimulants, a relatively recent addition to the agricultural toolkit, are biologically produced additives used to enhance plant response to various stressors, promote nutrient uptake, and stimulate plant growth. They are usually non-nutritive, meaning they don’t supply nutrients directly but instead trigger natural processes that improve nutrient efficiency and resistance to stressors. 

Biostimulants are typically derived from various organic materials, such as plant extracts, beneficial microorganisms, seaweed extracts, and humic and fulvic acids. They are hailed for their ability to enhance plant vigour, yield, quality, and post-harvest shelf life. 

Overview of Fertilisers 

Fertilisers have been widely used for much longer. They are substances added to soil or plants to provide one or more essential nutrients necessary for the plant’s growth. Fertilisers directly improve the nutrient content of the soil, primarily nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with secondary and micronutrients. 

Fertilisers can be mineral or organic in origin, with mineral fertilisers being more widely used due to their cost-effectiveness and nutrient concentration. They are vital in preventing nutrient deficiencies in plants, promoting growth, and enhancing crop yield and quality. 

Key Differences and Similarities 

The primary difference between biostimulants and fertilisers lies in their functionality and mode of action. Fertilisers directly supply plants with essential nutrients, promoting plant growth and correcting nutrient deficiencies in the soil. In contrast, biostimulants stimulate the plant’s innate abilities to absorb nutrients, manage stress, and grow, without providing nutrients directly. 

Despite these differences, biostimulants and fertilisers also share common ground. Both are designed to optimise plant growth and enhance crop yield and quality. They can be used in conjunction and often complement each other in an integrated approach to plant care and nutrition. While fertilisers nourish the plants with required nutrients, biostimulants help plants use these nutrients more effectively. 

Who are developing biostimulant technologies? 

Maxstim 

Maxstim specialises in the creation of biostimulants designed to optimise plant health and performance. They utilise advanced scientific knowledge to develop products that increase nutrient uptake, improve resistance to diseases, and enhance crop quality and yield. 

Pelagia 

One of the leading producers of pelagic fish products for human consumption, pet food, and as an ingredient in fish feed and fertilisers. They utilise marine nutrients to create products that significantly contribute to the fertility of the soil. 

Unium Bioscience 

Creating products that optimise nutrient use, improve stress tolerance and ultimately increase crop yields. Unium’s approach combines science and technology to harness the natural power of plants. 

AIVA Fertiliser 

AIVA Fertiliser are known for their high-quality organic fertilisers, providing a wide range of nutrient products to support plant growth. AIVA’s fertilisers offer an organic alternative to traditional mineral fertilisers, contributing to sustainable agriculture. 

What is the future for biostimulants? 

While biostimulants and fertilisers serve different functions in agriculture, they can work synergistically for sustainable and efficient crop production. Companies like Maxstim, Pelagia, Unium, and AIVA Fertiliser, among others, continue to innovate and provide solutions that contribute to a more sustainable and productive agriculture industry.