Biostimulant Production

What is a biostimulant? 

As mentioned in the introduction, a biostimulant is a substance that stimulates the growth and metabolism of plants.   

In other words, biostimulants contribute to enhancing crop quality and increasing yield. While they do not directly combat diseases and pests, they help plants tolerate abiotic stresses  (extreme temperatures, excess water, etc.) better.   

Although often confused, it is crucial to understand that biostimulants do not function as fertilizers or biocontrol products. The standards  set by the European Commission’s June 2019 regulation on Fertilizing Materials and Crop Supports (MFSC) define 7 distinct categories of products. Biostimulant substances (PFC6) are thus distinguished from traditional fertilizers. 

What are the methods of biostimulant production? 

The composition of biostimulants  determines the processes used for their manufacture. These methods can vary greatly, including  different steps to achieve the desired effects, depending on the original components used. Here we present the most commonly applied production methods for biostimulants, including amino acid-based and algae-based biostimulants. 

Based entirely on scientific research, these production methods adapt to the components used and therefore are diverse. However, it is considered that there are five main methods, which are presented below:  culturing, fermentation, hydrolysis, freeze-drying, and extraction.  

Culturing and Fermentation

By creating environmental conditions conducive to the development of microorganisms, culturing can  create an atmosphere that is aerobic, anaerobic, or microaerophilic.  

Fermentation, on the other hand, is a  natural metabolic process that generally involves the conversion of carbohydrates into acids, gases, or alcohols. This type of process enables the re-oxidation of coenzymes reduced by these reactions. 

Preferred components for this type of process:  

Live and non-living bacterial microorganisms (lactic acid bacteria, etc.); live and non-living fungal microorganisms (yeasts, fungi, and related types); plants and plant extracts. 

Freeze-drying 

Freeze-drying allows for the removal of water from a material or substance without losing its properties. Thanks to a freezing process followed by vacuum evaporation, the components of the biostimulant are preserved. 

Preferred components for this type of process:  

Non-living fungal microorganisms. 

Cold extraction 

The extraction of active ingredients using cold, high-pressure water avoids certain chemical reactions. Thus, the properties and benefits of the products are preserved through low temperatures and non-destructive evaporation, resulting in superior quality. 

Preferred components for this type of process:  

Algae; plants and plant extracts; raw materials containing humic and fulvic acids. 

The different hydrolysis processes for biostimulants 

From the Greek “hydro” (water) and “lysis” (to break), hydrolysis is a chemical process during which  a molecular bond is broken by water, resulting in what is called a hydrolyzate, either of animal proteins or plant proteins. 

• Acid hydrolysis 

  As the name suggests, in the case of acid hydrolysis, it is acids that cause this breakdown. This process helps form glucose or other energy sources to ensure your plants receive quality nutrients. 

  Preferred components for this type of process:  

  Live microorganisms (yeasts, bacteria, etc.); raw materials of animal origin (leather waste, meat meal, feathers, etc.); algae. 

• Alkaline hydrolysis 

  Unlike acid hydrolysis, alkaline hydrolysis is carried out using a basic solution that reacts with the molecules to break their bonds.  

  Preferred components for this type of process: 

  Non-living bacterial microorganisms (lactic acid bacteria, propionic bacteria, etc.); algae; plants and plant extracts. 

• Enzymatic hydrolysis 

  During an enzymatic hydrolysis process, hydrolase-type enzymes catalyze certain molecular reactions, allowing the production of biostimulants with consistent results in a controlled environment (temperature, pH, etc.). 

  Preferred components for this type of process:  

  Non-living bacterial microorganisms (lactic acid bacteria, propionic bacteria, etc.); raw materials of animal origin (leather waste, meat meal, feathers, etc.). 

Production method: what impact on the quality of biostimulants? 

A biostimulant can include various components and utilize diverse production processes. Whether it’s plant extracts or raw biomass, the methods used significantly impact the quality of the final product.  

Although there are many algae-based and micro-organism-derived biostimulants on the market, not all will be equally effective on your crops. By carefully choosing a reliable and recognized manufacturer like the Agrauxine biostimulant company, you can facilitate the development of your crops, stimulate plant growth, protect them from abiotic stress, and consistently secure your crop yields. Thanks to innovative processes, these organic solutions promote the biological activity of the soil for a more robust cultivation.