More and more farmers are considering plant biostimulants in a quest to make their farming systems more resilient and sustainable. But with so many options on the market and with mixed experiences, where do you start? We’ve brought our biostimulant knowledge and know-how to bare in our new Biostimulants Magazine.
Sharing insights from independent experts and the experiences of various growers around the country, we hope you enjoy the read.
On this page you can download specific articles or the full magazine.
Biostimulant topics in this issue:
- The growing challenge
- Biostimulant building blocks
- Biostimulants in a changing climate
- Seeding success for the future
- Sustainability starts with Newton
- Securing a sustainable future
- Building performance with Bridgeway
- Cultivating sustainability
- Co-creation unearths the course to profitability
- Stress savings with Zodiac
Welcome to our Biostimulants magazine
In this issue we explore the valuable role of plant biostimulants in helping farmers adapt their agricultural systems to an increasingly volatile climate, while enhancing food production sustainably. As we come out of 2023 with some of the driest, hottest and wettest months on record, the effects of climate change feel ever more real.
Building stronger, healthier, more resilient crops better able to tolerate adverse climatic conditions, as well as reduce reliance on synthetic inputs, feels increasingly vital, both agronomically and financially. More and more farmers are turning to biostimulants in a quest to make their growing systems more resilient and sustainable, but with mixed results in the field for some, and with a plethora of options available – where do you start?
In the pages that follow we examine the case for considering biostimulants in your growing system, how to get the most out of them, and showcase how several farms across the country have been getting on incorporating biostimulants into their growing systems as part of their journey to achieve improved resilience and sustainability.
If you have a journey of your own that you’d be willing to share, we’d love to hear from you – please get in touch below.
Biostimulant building blocks
Over the past five years the potential resilience and sustainability benefits of biostimulants has captured the attention of the whole industry, becoming the fastest growing segment in ag.
But with limited knowledge and experience it is no doubt daunting, and even inconceivable for some farmers, to consider how biostimulants could help them adapt their growing systems to a climate- smart model for the future which is both resilient and profitable. We explore some key considerations to help you on your biostimulant transition.
Biostimulants in a changing climate
The landscape of farming is ever evolving, with new challenges continually giving reason to pause, assess the strategy and adapt to remain resilient in the face of adversity.
We spoke to Andy Barworth of Barworth Agriculture Ltd, Adam Christie at Scottish Agronomy, and Christine Jones at Dyson Farming Research, to get their views on the role of biostimulants in a changing climate.
Seeding success for the future
Safeguarding the environment and maximising efficiencies is key for the long-term sustainability of one Shropshire farming business – with getting crops off to the best start with a biostimulant, being a key part of the strategy.
Sustainability starts with Newton
Rising input costs, loss of authorised plant protection products and weather extremes during the growing season are just some of the challenges putting increasing pressure on both growers and crops. And though these pressures are arguably out of the hands of growers, there are measures that can be taken to prime plants… and it all starts with the seed.
Securing a sustainable future
Creating a simple, low input system that produces nutrient dense food with a low environmental and economic cost is the ultimate goal for Borders grower David Fuller-Schapcott, as part of his aim to move towards a net zero future.
Building performance with Bridgeway
Heat stress, drought and disease all have the potential to threaten crop performance, but incorporating biostimulants into the programme can help prepare crops to cope better.
Cultivating sustainability
From small holding to globally integrated farming and food business, award-winning vegetable producer, Barfoots, has put sustainability at the front and centre of its operation — with biostimulants an increasingly important tool in its crop management strategy.
Co-creation unearths the course to profitability
Transitioning clients towards more sustainable farming practices has become a passion for one Dorset contract farming business — with soil and plant health forming a key part of the resilience strategy.
Stress savings with Zodiac
With high stress periods now commonplace during the growing season, including a biostimulant within the programme can act as an insurance policy for growers looking to protect yield and quality.
Download our Biostimulants magazine
You can DOWNLOAD THE FULL MAGAZINE HERE
If you require further information or have technical questions regarding plant biostimulants and the information in this magazine that you wish to discuss, please get in touch with our technical manager Stuart Sutherland, below.