Biostimulants are products containing substances and/or microorganisms capable of supporting the growth and development of plants throughout the life cycle of the crop, from seed germination and transplantation to harvesting. They have the ability to stimulate those natural processes of the plant that improve the absorption and efficiency of use of nutrients, tolerance to abiotic stress and crop quality, and therefore represent an ever-changing technical-scientific sector.

A team of CREA researchers participated in the drafting of the first book on biostimulant products in agriculture. Entitled “Biostimulants for sustainable agriculture. What they are, how they act and how they are used” that treats in a scientifically exhaustive way the main biostimulants currently available in agriculture. The book first provides the definition of biostimulant, also presenting the Italian and European regulatory framework, and then deals in depth with the chemical or biological characteristics, the production process, the mechanisms of action and the effects on crops of the different categories of products.

Finally, the book highlights at the impact both on the environment (estimated by the LCA method) and on the profitability of crops, offering flattering prospects in terms of improving both the profitability and eco-sustainability of crops.