A more sustainable start
The move to more regenerative farming practices is a growing trend and one that can benefit soils, finances and the whole ecosystem. By boosting seeds, rather than treating plants, applying a biostimulant seed treatment to your cereal seed offers a more sustainable start than chemical alternatives.
Chemical seed treatments have been part of the agronomic toolbox for many growers over the years, but with increasing focus on soil health and building biology, their use is increasingly being questioned. After all, they could be destroying the beneficial fungi you have been working hard to build.
Whether you’re fully invested in regenerative practices or just starting out, applying a biostimulant seed treatment to your seed can be hugely beneficial to plant health and how you go on to manage that crop through the rest of its life.
Key benefits:
- Enhanced plant growth
- Improved nutrient-use-efficiency
- Enhanced stress tolerance
- Improved soil health
- Reduced environmental impact
The benefits for regenerative farming practices
Biostimulant seed treatments can offer several benefits for regenerative farming practices. Here are a few reasons why they could be advantageous to you:
Enhanced plant growth
Biostimulant seed treatments contain natural substances that stimulate plant growth and development. They typically consist of phytohormones (eg. in Newton), beneficial microorganisms, enzymes or organic compounds that can speed up emergence, improve root development, nutrient uptake and overall plant vigour. By enhancing plant growth, biostimulants can contribute to healthier more productive crops, which is essential for regenerative farming.
Improved nutrient-use-efficiency
Biostimulant seed treatments can improve the efficiency of nutrient uptake by plants. This can be achieved in several ways, such as indirectly through increased root length and root mass, or by increasing the activity of beneficial soil micro-organisms such as mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. These play an important role in nutrient cycling and make essential nutrients more available to plants. By improving nutrient utilisation, biostimulants can reduce the need for synthetic fertilisers and minimise nutrient losses, which aligns with the principles of regenerative farming.
Enhanced stress tolerance
Regenerative farming practices focus on building resilient and adaptable agroecosystems. Biostimulant seed treatments such as Newton, often contain compounds that can enhance plant stress tolerance. These substances may include antioxidants, osmoprotectants, and other stress-response molecules. By applying biostimulants, farmers can help crops better withstand environmental stresses such as drought, heat, and disease pressure, which is crucial for sustainable and resilient farming systems.
For example, research conducted by the University of Nottingham shows Newton helps crops cope better in a drought.
Improved soil health
One of the fundamental principles of regenerative farming is to promote soil health and biodiversity. Biostimulant seed treatments can contribute to this objective by fostering beneficial soil microbial populations. The microorganisms present in biostimulants can enhance soil organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling, and soil structure, leading to improved soil health over time. Healthy soils support diverse and robust plant communities, positively impacting the long-term sustainability of farming systems.
Reduced environmental impact
Regenerative farming aims to minimise the environmental footprint of agricultural practices. Biostimulant seed treatments offer a more environmentally friendly approach compared to synthetic chemical inputs. By relying on natural compounds and microorganisms, biostimulants can help reduce the use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, and other agrochemicals. This reduction in chemical inputs can have positive effects on water quality, biodiversity, and overall ecosystem health.
Choosing an effective biostimulant seed treatment
It is important to be aware that the effectiveness of biostimulant seed treatments can vary depending on crop species, environmental conditions, and specific products used. We advise that you carefully evaluate and choose biostimulants based on the supporting evidence and your specific needs.
Newton stimulates plants to thrive
Our Newton seed treatment is the natural, eco-friendly alternative to chemical seed treatment or a great addition to chemical/nutritional dressings if you’re not ready to give up you chemical treatment just yet.
With proven abilities in the field, Newton not only ensures vigorous crop establishment, it also helps to build stronger, heathier, more resilient plants less dependent on synthetic inputs.
You can find out more about Newton and where to buy it here.
Newton in a regenerative system
Newton is proving to be an essential part of the strategy for regenerative farmers. You can read some of the case studies by clicking on the farmer images below.
