Biostimulants: Proven Science Grows in Popularity
Although not new to crop production, biostimulants have recently hit their stride. When it comes to plant health and sustainably increasing yields, biostimulants are growing in popularity, stepping forward with proven science and catching the interest of farmers.
What Are Biostimulants?
Biostimulants are a substance or microorganism applied to seeds, plants or the soil that stimulates natural processes to benefit nutrient uptake and tolerance to abiotic stress.
There are many benefits that come with using biostimulants. When selected and applied properly, they help maximize biological efficiencies – ultimately growing a better crop that contains more nutrients and output at a higher yield.
Biostimulants are extremely effective in preventing stress on crops. If you relieve abiotic stress, the plant can continue to grow and provide a better return on investment. By using a biostimulant, growers have the potential to grow a higher-quality crop.
Selecting the Right Biostimulant
It’s very important to carefully select biostimulants from a respected source, and to choose products that are supported by data and research from actual field trials. Some companies will overpromise on their results, and they may not be able to deliver.
Co-op works with Hello Nature, a globally respected company producing biostimulants, fertilizers and microbials for the last 50 years. They manufacture 100 percent plant-based biostimulants based on plant peptides. Hello Nature’s products are backed by science, ensuring farmers can make the right choice based on their crop goals.
Hello Nature’s biostimulants focus on targeting abiotic stress, enhancing plant growth and helping with nutrient efficiency. One of the abiotic stresses they focus on is herbicide stress and herbicide-caused side effects to crops.
“With the support of biostimulants, we’re striving to maximize every acre and maintain the principles of 4R nutrient stewardship when it comes to application,” said Ryan Erickson, Ag Solutions Division Manager and Grow Team member at Riverbend Co-op in Saskatchewan. “Implementing a planned approach provides the best way to sustainably increase yields and keep that plant as healthy as possible.”
There are other factors beyond herbicides where biostimulants play a role. They help minimize the plant from going into the survival mode, which could potentially delay maturity. They can also help the plant recover from heavy stress events like wind or hail.
Biostimulants at Innovation Field Trial Xtreme 2021
As part of this year’s field trials, we took a look at biostimulants. Since 2016, our Innovation Field Trial Xtreme sites have tested the latest products and agronomic trends, ensuring Co-op Grow Team members and their farm customers are up to date on the tools available to help solve today’s toughest agronomic challenges. Located near Saskatoon, Sask., this large demonstration offers the latest innovations in Western Canadian crop production all at one site.
Biostimulants are another tool added to our crop-production tool belt for Western Canadian farmers that will have significant advantages when used in the right place at the right time. With over 2500 products on the market, your Grow Team member can help you decide on the right biostimulant product to meet the specific needs of your crop.
“What I personally recommend to our customers is that every year you should be trialling at least one new thing on your farm – because what works on somebody else’s farm doesn’t necessarily mean that it will work on yours,” said Erickson. When it comes to crop planning with biostimulants, the high potential in helping growers sustainably increase yield and maximize their acres and bottom line is what is most rewarding for everyone at Co-op, including Erickson.
“I am excited about the future of agriculture and with the inclusions of biostimulants, it is a different way to sustainably advance crop production – without another pass.”