Summary
This global meta-analysis of 111 peer-reviewed publications quantifies the effects of biostimulant applications on root morphological traits across diverse crop species and agricultural systems. Biostimulants significantly enhanced multiple root characteristics, with humic acid demonstrating the most consistent effects, and with orchard and vegetable crops showing greater responsiveness than grain crops. The findings provide quantitative evidence that biostimulants promote root system development, potentially enhancing nutrient acquisition and supporting more sustainable agricultural production.
Regional applicability
The findings are globally derived and therefore applicable to United Kingdom agriculture. The identification of crop-specific responses (orchard, vegetable, and grain crops) suggests that UK growers can use these results to guide biostimulant selection and application strategies by crop type, though regional validation of the most effective biostimulant types under UK soil and climate conditions would strengthen implementation.
Key measures
Primary root length (% change), total root length (% change), root biomass (% change), root activity (% change), root diameter (% change), root-to-shoot ratio (% change), root volume (% change), root surface area (% change), root tips (% change), root forks (% change)
Outcomes reported
The meta-analysis quantified effects of biostimulant applications on root morphological traits (primary root length, total root length, root biomass, root activity, root diameter, root-to-shoot ratio, root volume, root surface area, root tips, and root forks) across 111 peer-reviewed studies. It identified biostimulant type and crop species as main moderators of root morphological responses.
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