Biostimulants for Sustainable Crop Production

Biostimulants are substances or microorganisms applied to plants or soils to stimulate natural processes to enhance nutrient uptake, tolerance to abiotic stress, and crop quality. Unlike fertilizers, which provide essential nutrients directly, biostimulants work by enhancing the plant's natural physiological processes, such as nutrient uptake, root development, and stress tolerance mechanisms. These substances can include a wide range of compounds, such as humic acids, seaweed extracts, amino acids, and beneficial microorganisms like mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobacteria. Biostimulants can be applied through foliar sprays, soil drenches, or seed treatments. The use of biostimulants offers several advantages in modern agriculture. They can help reduce the reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, promoting more sustainable farming practices. Additionally, they can improve soil health and fertility over time by enhancing microbial activity and organic matter content. Furthermore, biostimulants have been shown to increase crop yields and improve crop quality, making them an attractive option for farmers looking to optimize their production while minimizing environmental impact. This book provides significant information of this discipline to help develop a good understanding of biostimulants. It explores all the important aspects of biostimulants in the present day scenario. This book is a resource guide for experts as well as students.