Summary
This review synthesises current knowledge on the use of biostimulants — including microbial inoculants, seaweed extracts, humic substances, and protein hydrolysates — as tools for enhancing crop productivity and resilience within sustainable farming systems. The authors likely evaluate the mechanistic basis for biostimulant activity, assess evidence for agronomic benefits, and identify challenges such as product inconsistency, regulatory heterogeneity, and limited large-scale field validation. The paper contributes a forward-looking perspective on how biostimulants might complement or reduce reliance on synthetic inputs in future agricultural practice.
UK applicability
Biostimulants are increasingly recognised within UK and EU agricultural policy as part of the transition to sustainable intensification, and the regulatory landscape discussed in this review is broadly applicable to UK practice post-Brexit, where the Health and Safety Executive oversees relevant approvals. UK growers and advisers may find the review useful for contextualising the potential of biostimulants within agri-environment schemes and integrated crop management strategies.
Key measures
Plant growth parameters; nutrient use efficiency; crop yield; stress tolerance indicators; biostimulant classification and regulatory frameworks
Outcomes reported
The review examines the efficacy, mechanisms of action, and agronomic potential of biostimulants across crop systems, likely reporting on effects on plant growth, nutrient use efficiency, stress tolerance, and yield. It also addresses regulatory challenges and gaps in standardisation that currently limit wider adoption.
Topic tags
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