What is a biostimulant? The European Biostimulant Industry Council defines it as the following:
“A ‘Plant Biostimulant’ is a material that contains substance(s) and/or microorganisms whose function, when applied to plants or the rhizosphere, is to stimulate natural processes to benefit nutrient uptake, nutrient efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress, and/or crop quality, independent of its nutrient content.”
You know all of those additives you buy at the hydro store? They virtually all fall under the following categories:
1. Humic/Fulvic acids
2. Botanical extracts (seaweed/neem/alfalfa, etc.)
3. Protein Hydrolysates (aminos)
4. Chitosan/Biopolymers (shellfish/crab/frass)
5. Beneficial bacteria
6. Beneficial fungi
7. Minerals (silica, Molybdenum etc.)
When you take a look at traditional agriculture additives, you realize that bottles from the hydro store are just "dolled up water". When companies don't list ingredients (*ahem Advanced Nutrients and Golden Tree), it is probably to pay for the cartoons on the label or the marketing to convince you there's some "Shazam" in there.
What biostimulants are you using?
Are there any products that don't fall under those categories?
What simple biostimulant is the biggest rip off at the hydro store?
“A ‘Plant Biostimulant’ is a material that contains substance(s) and/or microorganisms whose function, when applied to plants or the rhizosphere, is to stimulate natural processes to benefit nutrient uptake, nutrient efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress, and/or crop quality, independent of its nutrient content.”
You know all of those additives you buy at the hydro store? They virtually all fall under the following categories:
1. Humic/Fulvic acids
2. Botanical extracts (seaweed/neem/alfalfa, etc.)
3. Protein Hydrolysates (aminos)
4. Chitosan/Biopolymers (shellfish/crab/frass)
5. Beneficial bacteria
6. Beneficial fungi
7. Minerals (silica, Molybdenum etc.)
When you take a look at traditional agriculture additives, you realize that bottles from the hydro store are just "dolled up water". When companies don't list ingredients (*ahem Advanced Nutrients and Golden Tree), it is probably to pay for the cartoons on the label or the marketing to convince you there's some "Shazam" in there.
What biostimulants are you using?
Are there any products that don't fall under those categories?
What simple biostimulant is the biggest rip off at the hydro store?