Bio-stimulant In Improving Crop Yield And Soil Health
Kadam Sharad Rajesaheb, Suganya Subramanian, P. Boominathan, S. Thenmozhi, M. Gnanachitra
Abstract
Bio-stimulant has emerged as promising tool in modern agriculture, offering potential solution to enhance the crop productivity in addition to promoting sustainable soil management practices. Bio-stimulants represent natural formulation that enhance the overall well-being, vitality, and development of plants while, safe guarding them from biotic and abiotic stresses. They had successfully used in both Agri-horticultural crops. A variety of bio-stimulants, such as extracts from seaweed, humic acids (HA), fulvic acids (FA), enzymes, amino acids, protein hydrolyzates, nitrogen-containing compounds, beneficial microorganisms and small organic molecules, have been utilized to augment both the growth and quality of crops. Findings from this review indicate a consistent response to bio-stimulant application across diverse plant species, including improved germination, enhanced shoot-root growth, optimization of bloom and fruit set periods, elevated crop health and yield, enhanced nutrient absorption and improved stress tolerant. Furthermore, bio-stimulants exert positive effects on soil health by enhancing soil structure, microbial activity, nutrient cycling and fertility. Through these mechanisms, they contribute to sustainable soil management practices and mitigate the adverse impacts of intensive agricultural practices. Overall, the role of bio-stimulants is essential for promoting agricultural sustainability and resilience against environmental challenges.