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Biostimulant and Biofertilizer Use in Agricultural Systems
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Biostimulant and Biofertilizer Use in Agricultural Systems

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Crop Physiology and Crop Production".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 March 2024) | Viewed by 18810

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Gustavo Brunetto

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Guest Editor
Department of Soil Science, Federal University of Santa Maria, Prédio 42, Office 3309, Avenida Roraima 1000, Santa Maria 95105-900, Brazil
Interests: plant nutrition; soil fertility; fertilization; fruit quality; heavy metals; roots; sustainable orchards and vineyards
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Elena Baldi

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Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DiSTAL), Alma Mater Studiorum, University di Bologna, Viale Fanin 46, 40127 Bologna, Italy
Interests: soil organic matter; root morphology and physiology; fruit tree mineral and organic nutrition; fruit quality; soil sickness
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Paulo Ademar Avelar Ferreira

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Guest Editor
Coordenadoria Acadêmica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Cachoeira do Sul, Santa Maria 96503-205, Brasil
Interests: soil microbiology and biochemistry; soil fertility; plant physiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Cláudio Roberto Fonsêca Sousa Soares

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Guest Editor
Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis CEP 88.040-900, SC, Brazil
Interests: soil microbiology and biochemistry

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The excess use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture to meet increased food demands is having adverse effects on the physico-chemical and biological properties of soil. Moreover, the worsening of soil properties could reduce plant production and food quality. Therefore, in the recent years, several organic fertilizers that act as natural stimulants for plants have been developed. Biofertilizers and biostimulants are substances containing natural derivatives and/or microorganisms that have beneficial effects on plant growth and yield. Microorganisms use several mechanisms to enhance nutrient uptake, improve soil fertility and increase crop yields, such as nitrogen fixation and potassium mechanisms.

The aim of this Special Issue is to present innovative research on the interaction between plants and soil as a consequence of biofertilizers applications.  Manuscripts that address the effect of biostimulants or biofertilizer applications on plant performance, soil biodiversity and quality and their interactions in agricultural systems will be considered.

Dr. Gustavo Brunetto
Dr. Elena Baldi
Dr. Paulo Ademar Avelar Ferreira
Prof. Dr. Cláudio Roberto Fonsêca Sousa Soares
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biostimulants
  • bio-inputs
  • microorganisms
  • roots
  • plant nutrition
  • soil fertility
  • fertilization
  • soil biodiversity
  • nutrient cycling

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 1429 KiB  
Article
Response of Pasture Grasses to Organic Fertilizer Produced from Black Soldier Fly Frass
by Eoin Rodgers, Elisha Nicolson, Sorcha Lauder and Simon Hodge
Plants 2024, 13(7), 943; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13070943 - 25 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1668
Abstract
Livestock and dairy farmers are increasingly required to maintain productivity and profitability while mitigating the environmental harm associated with high-input agriculture. Accordingly, to reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers, a wide range of organically derived products are being evaluated for their effects on sward [...] Read more.
Livestock and dairy farmers are increasingly required to maintain productivity and profitability while mitigating the environmental harm associated with high-input agriculture. Accordingly, to reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers, a wide range of organically derived products are being evaluated for their effects on sward growth and forage quality. This study used glasshouse experiments to investigate the responses of four grass species to a novel organic fertilizer derived from the mass production of black soldier fly larvae [Hermetia illucens, HexaFrass™, Meath, Ireland]. Although there was some variability among trials, overall our results indicate that application of HexaFrass produced increased shoot growth of Perennial Ryegrass (PRG; Lolium perenne L.), Timothy (Phleum pratense L.), and Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) compared with growth achieved in no-fertilizer control plants. In addition to increases in shoot fresh and dry weight, shoot chlorophyll content was also positively related to the HexaFrass application rate. At nitrogen-equivalent application rates, HexaFrass resulted in lower shoot growth compared with the application of urea, suggesting that the nitrogen contained in HexaFrass may not be immediately plant-available. Of relevance to grazing or silage systems, the addition of HexaFrass resulted in increased shoot regrowth of PRG and Timothy after shoots had been cut. Based on our results, insect-frass-based fertilizers may have a role in low input, organic, and/or regenerative pasture-based livestock systems, although issues may occur due to the relatively high costs and low availability compared with other organic soil amendments such as farmyard manure and slurry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biostimulant and Biofertilizer Use in Agricultural Systems)
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19 pages, 4132 KiB  
Article
Effect of Biostimulant, Manure Stabilizer, and Manure on Soil Physical Properties and Vegetation Status
by Václav Novák, Petr Šařec and Oldřich Látal
Plants 2024, 13(7), 920; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13070920 - 22 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1063
Abstract
Food production sustainability is one of contemporary agriculture’s fundamental challenges. Farmers are currently facing high input prices in crop production and declining organic matter in the soil. For this reason, a field experiment was established to assess the effect of the biostimulant NeOsol [...] Read more.
Food production sustainability is one of contemporary agriculture’s fundamental challenges. Farmers are currently facing high input prices in crop production and declining organic matter in the soil. For this reason, a field experiment was established to assess the effect of the biostimulant NeOsol (NS), the manure stabilizer Z’fix (ZF), farmyard manure (FM), and their combination in farm practice. In situ measurements provided information on the change in bulk density (BD), unit draft (UD), saturated hydraulic conductivity (SHC), and cone index (CI). Furthermore, the vegetation status was investigated via vegetation indices, and the yield and quality parameters were assessed. Management of the experimental field resulted in an overall decrease in BD over time for the treated variants compared to the control (CL). The decrease with time was also verified in the case of UD and CI at the depth zone of 10–20 cm. Variants FM (by 8.0%), FM_NS (by 7.3%), and FM_ZF_NS (by 3.8%) proved to have lower UD values than CL. An overall increase in SHC and in yield was observed over time. Concerning SHC, only FM (by 58.5%) proved different from CL. The yield of all the treated variants, i.e., NS (by 8.2%), FM (by 10.8%), FM_NS (by 14.1%), FM_ZF (by 17.8%), and FM_ZF_NS (by 20.1%), surpassed CL. Simultaneously, none of the examined treatments proved to have any adverse effect either on soil or on plant-related variables. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biostimulant and Biofertilizer Use in Agricultural Systems)
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16 pages, 1719 KiB  
Article
Effect of a Fortified Biostimulant Extract on Tomato Plant Productivity, Physiology, and Growing Media Properties
by Marianne Weisser, Scott William Mattner, Liam Southam-Rogers, Graham Hepworth and Tony Arioli
Plants 2024, 13(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13010004 - 19 Dec 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1734
Abstract
The pursuit of sustainable and productive agriculture demands the exploration of innovative approaches to improve plant productivity and soil health. The utilization of natural agricultural biostimulants, such as extracts from seaweed, fish, and humus, has gained prominence as an ecological strategy to achieve [...] Read more.
The pursuit of sustainable and productive agriculture demands the exploration of innovative approaches to improve plant productivity and soil health. The utilization of natural agricultural biostimulants, such as extracts from seaweed, fish, and humus, has gained prominence as an ecological strategy to achieve this goal. In this study we investigated the effectiveness of a fortified biostimulant extract (FBE), composed of extracts from seaweed, fish, and humus, on tomato plant physiology, productivity, and growing media properties, and estimated carbon emissions associated with tomato production. The FBE was applied to the growing media of tomato plants produced in a greenhouse, in experiments over two growing seasons. The productivity assessments demonstrated that the application of FBE significantly increased tomato fruit yield by 20% and relative marketable fruit yield by 27%, and reduced estimated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with production by 29%. FBE treatment improved plant shoot and root biomass, accelerated flower and fruit set initiation, and increased chlorophyll content in leaves, resulting in enhanced plant physiology and advanced development. FBE treatment positively influenced the availability of crucial nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron in the growing media. FBE promoted the growth of total active microbes in the growing media, particularly the fungal population, which plays an important role in nutrient cycling and health. These findings highlight the beneficial effects of the FBE due to enhanced plant productivity and growth, improved fertility, the promotion of beneficial plant and growing media interactions, and the reduction in estimated GHG emissions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biostimulant and Biofertilizer Use in Agricultural Systems)
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20 pages, 2426 KiB  
Article
Foliar Selenium Application to Reduce the Induced-Drought Stress Effects in Coffee Seedlings: Induced Priming or Alleviation Effect?
by Gustavo Ferreira de Sousa, Maila Adriely Silva, Mariana Rocha de Carvalho, Everton Geraldo de Morais, Pedro Antônio Namorato Benevenute, Gustavo Avelar Zorgdrager Van Opbergen, Guilherme Gerrit Avelar Zorgdrager Van Opbergen and Luiz Roberto Guimarães Guilherme
Plants 2023, 12(17), 3026; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12173026 - 23 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2082
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the role of Se supply in improving osmotic stress tolerance in coffee seedlings while also evaluating the best timing for Se application. Five times of Se foliar application were assessed during induced osmotic stress with PEG-6000 using the [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the role of Se supply in improving osmotic stress tolerance in coffee seedlings while also evaluating the best timing for Se application. Five times of Se foliar application were assessed during induced osmotic stress with PEG-6000 using the day of imposing stress as a default, plus two control treatments: with osmotic stress and without Se, and without osmotic stress and Se. Results demonstrated that osmotic stress (OS) promoted mild stress in the coffee plants (ψw from −1.5MPa to −2.5 MPa). Control plants under stress showed seven and five times lower activity of the enzymes GR and SOD compared with the non-stressed ones, and OS was found to further induce starch degradation, which was potentialized by the Se foliar supply. The seedlings that received foliar Se application 8 days before the stress exhibited higher CAT, APX, and SOD than the absolute control (−OS-Se)—771.1%, 356.3%, and 266.5% higher, respectively. In conclusion, previous Se foliar spray is more effective than the Se supply after OS to overcome the adverse condition. On the other hand, the post-stress application seems to impose extra stress on the plants, leading them to reduce their water potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biostimulant and Biofertilizer Use in Agricultural Systems)
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13 pages, 2605 KiB  
Article
Foliar Application of Selenium Associated with a Multi-Nutrient Fertilizer in Soybean: Yield, Grain Quality, and Critical Se Threshold
by Maila Adriely Silva, Gustavo Ferreira de Sousa, Gustavo Avelar Zorgdrager Van Opbergen, Guilherme Gerrit Avelar Zorgdrager Van Opbergen, Ana Paula Branco Corguinha, Jean Michel Moura Bueno, Gustavo Brunetto, José Marcos Leite, Alcindo Aparecido dos Santos, Guilherme Lopes and Luiz Roberto Guimaraes Guilherme
Plants 2023, 12(10), 2028; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12102028 - 18 May 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2743
Abstract
Selenium uptake and its content in soybean grains are affected by Se application methods. This study evaluated the impact of Se foliar application combined with a multi-nutrient fertilizer (MNF) on soybean, establishing a Se threshold to better understand the relationship between Se content [...] Read more.
Selenium uptake and its content in soybean grains are affected by Se application methods. This study evaluated the impact of Se foliar application combined with a multi-nutrient fertilizer (MNF) on soybean, establishing a Se threshold to better understand the relationship between Se content in grains and yield of two genotypes (58I60 Lança and M5917). Two trials were conducted in a 4 × 2 factorial design: four Se rates (0, 10, 40, 80 g Se ha−1) and two methods of foliar Se application (Se combined or not with MNF). Foliar fertilizers were applied twice, at phenological stages of beginning of pod development and grain filling. Grain yield increased with the application of MNF, yet Se rates increased Se contents linearly up to 80 g Se ha−1, regardless of the use of MNF. Lança and M5917 genotypes had grain Se critical thresholds of 1.0 and 3.0 mg kg−1, respectively. The application of Se favored higher contents of K, P, and S in grains of genotype Lança and higher contents of Mn and Fe in grains of genotype M5917. Our findings highlight the importance of addressing different Se fertilization strategies as well as genotypic variations when assessing the effects of Se on soybean yield and grain quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biostimulant and Biofertilizer Use in Agricultural Systems)
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20 pages, 2663 KiB  
Article
Humic Acid Modulates Ionic Homeostasis, Osmolytes Content, and Antioxidant Defense to Improve Salt Tolerance in Rice
by Mohamed Abu-Ria, Wafaa Shukry, Samy Abo-Hamed, Mohammed Albaqami, Lolwah Almuqadam and Farag Ibraheem
Plants 2023, 12(9), 1834; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12091834 - 29 Apr 2023
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2578
Abstract
The sensitivity of rice plants to salinity is a major challenge for rice growth and productivity in the salt-affected lands. Priming rice seeds in biostimulants with stress-alleviating potential is an effective strategy to improve salinity tolerance in rice. However, the mechanisms of action [...] Read more.
The sensitivity of rice plants to salinity is a major challenge for rice growth and productivity in the salt-affected lands. Priming rice seeds in biostimulants with stress-alleviating potential is an effective strategy to improve salinity tolerance in rice. However, the mechanisms of action of these compounds are not fully understood. Herein, the impact of priming rice seeds (cv. Giza 179) with 100 mg/L of humic acid on growth and its underlaying physiological processes under increased magnitudes of salinity (EC = 0.55, 3.40, 6.77, 8.00 mS/cm) during the critical reproductive stage was investigated. Our results indicated that salinity significantly reduced Giza 179 growth indices, which were associated with the accumulation of toxic levels of Na+ in shoots and roots, a reduction in the K+ and K+/Na+ ratio in shoots and roots, induced buildup of malondialdehyde, electrolyte leakage, and an accumulation of total soluble sugars, sucrose, proline, and enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants. Humic acid application significantly increased growth of the Giza 179 plants under non-saline conditions. It also substantially enhanced growth of the salinity-stressed Giza 179 plants even at 8.00 mS/cm. Such humic acid ameliorating effects were associated with maintaining ionic homeostasis, appropriate osmolytes content, and an efficient antioxidant defense system. Our results highlight the potential role of humic acid in enhancing salt tolerance in Giza 179. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biostimulant and Biofertilizer Use in Agricultural Systems)
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16 pages, 2708 KiB  
Article
Germination and Vigor of Soybean and Corn Seeds Treated with Mixed Mineral Fertilizers
by Carla Gomes Machado, Givanildo Zildo da Silva, Simério Carlos Silva Cruz, Rafael Cardoso Lourenço dos Anjos, Caíque Lopes Silva, Lucas Ferreira Lima de Matos and Alex Oliveira Smaniotto
Plants 2023, 12(2), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12020338 - 11 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2576
Abstract
The use of mixed mineral fertilizers consisting of macro- and micronutrients, which are already routinely used for leaf fertilization, in the treatment of corn and soybean seeds would positively influence germination and vigor, consequently improving growth and seedling development. This study aimed to [...] Read more.
The use of mixed mineral fertilizers consisting of macro- and micronutrients, which are already routinely used for leaf fertilization, in the treatment of corn and soybean seeds would positively influence germination and vigor, consequently improving growth and seedling development. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological potential of corn and soybean seeds treated with mixed mineral fertilizers. The seed treatment efficiency test with mixed mineral fertilizers was conducted at the Federal University of Jataí—UFJ—using Vital®, Lança®, Ídolo®, Massivo®, and their combinations. The treatments consisted of two controls for soybean and three for corn. Analysis of variance was performed using the F-test (p ≤ 0.05), and when there was significance, the means were compared using the Scott–Knott test (p ≤ 0.05). The mixed mineral fertilizers Vital® + Massivo® (T6), Lança® + Ídolo® (T7), and Vital® + Lança® + Ídolo® (T10) used in the seed treatment benefit the development of soybean (NS7667 IPRO) seeds. The treatments for corn (MG744 PWU) had little effect on germination and seedling development. The use of mixed mineral fertilizers in the seed treatments did not affect the physiological potential of the soybean and corn seeds, keeping the lots with germination values within commercialization standards. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biostimulant and Biofertilizer Use in Agricultural Systems)
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Review

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24 pages, 4633 KiB  
Review
Applications and Market of Micro-Organism-Based and Plant-Based Inputs in Brazilian Agriculture
by Cláudio Roberto Fonsêca Sousa Soares, Anabel González Hernández, Emanuela Pille da Silva, Julia Emanuela Almeida de Souza, Danyella Fernandes Bonfim, Giovani Leone Zabot, Paulo Ademar Avelar Ferreira and Gustavo Brunetto
Plants 2023, 12(22), 3844; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12223844 - 14 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1592
Abstract
The use of plant-based and micro-organism-based biological inputs is a sustainable agricultural practice. It promotes a suitable and better utilization of non-renewable resources in the environment. The benefits of using micro-organisms are associated with direct and indirect mechanisms, mainly related to improvements in [...] Read more.
The use of plant-based and micro-organism-based biological inputs is a sustainable agricultural practice. It promotes a suitable and better utilization of non-renewable resources in the environment. The benefits of using micro-organisms are associated with direct and indirect mechanisms, mainly related to improvements in the absorption and availability of nutrients, resulting in a consequent impact on plant growth. The main benefits of using biochemical pesticides are the promotion of sustainability and the management of resistance to pests and diseases. Although the use of micro-organisms and botanical metabolites is a promising agricultural alternative, they are still primarily concentrated in grain crops. There is a huge opportunity to expand the plant-based and micro-organism-based biological inputs used in agriculture due to the wide range of mechanisms of action of those products. At a global level, several terminologies have been adopted to characterize biological inputs, but many terms used conflict with Brazilian legislation. This review will clarify the classes of biological inputs existing in Brazil as well as present the application and evolution of the market for microbiological and plant-based inputs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biostimulant and Biofertilizer Use in Agricultural Systems)
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