Effect of <scp>l</scp>‐amino acid‐based biostimulants on nitrogen use efficiency (<scp>NUE</scp>) in lettuce plants
Eloy Navarro‐León, Francisco Javier López‐Moreno, E. Borda, Cándido Marín, Núria Sierras Serra, Begoña Blasco, Juan M. Ruíz
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Biostimulants are increasingly integrated into production systems with the goal of modifying physiological processes in plants to optimize productivity. Specifically, l-α-amino acid-based biostimulants enhance plant productivity through improved photosynthesis and increased assimilation of essential nutrients such as nitrogen (N). This element is a major component of fertilizers, which usually are applied in excess. Thus, the inefficient use of N fertilizers has generated a serious environmental pollution issue. The use of biostimulants has the potential to address problems related to N fertilization. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze whether two biostimulants based on l-α-amino acid (Terra Sorb® radicular and Terramin® Pro) designed by Bioiberica, S.A.U company can compensate deficient N fertilization and test its effect on lettuce plants. Growth, photosynthetic, N accumulation, and N use efficiency (NUE) parameters were analyzed on lettuce leaves. RESULTS: and total N accumulations as well as NUE parameters. CONCLUSION: Therefore, Terra Sorb® radicular and Terramin® Pro constitute a useful tool for crops development in N-limiting areas, and in intensive agricultural areas without N deficiency allowing the reduction of N inputs without impairing crop yields and reducing environmental impact. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.