What Are Biostimulants (BS), Garnering Global Attention?

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Biostimulants are a new type of agricultural material designed to activate plant physiological functions, promoting growth and improving stress tolerance. They support sustainable farming through approaches distinct from fertilizers and pesticides.

The global attention surrounding biostimulants stems from their potential to address critical challenges, such as tackling environmental issues, reducing dependence on pesticides, and advancing sustainable food production. By focusing on these challenges, biostimulants are expected to play an increasingly significant role as eco-friendly agricultural materials in the future.

• Protecting Crops, Soil, and the Future: A New Choice with Biostimulants
• Definitions and Characteristics
• Main Types and Example Components
• Examples of Practical Use in Agricultural Settings
• Moriroku Agri Begins Handling Biostimulant Materials

Protecting Crops, Soil, and the Future: A New Choice with Biostimulants

In recent years, biostimulants—natural components that support healthy crop growth—have been gaining attention.
Biostimulants promote stable crop growth and protect plants from environmental stresses such as heat and drought, without relying on chemicals. As a result, they contribute to better taste and increased yields.

In addition, they help reduce the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, making them environmentally friendly while maintaining soil health. This aligns with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' "Green Food System Strategy," which sets targets for reducing the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

Moreover, biostimulants are also seen as a cost-effective solution to address the recent challenges posed by rising fertilizer prices.

For sustainable, safe, and secure agriculture, biostimulants are the next step forward.

1. Harnessing Nature for Resilient Crops

Extreme weather conditions such as heatwaves, droughts, and prolonged rainfall have increasingly stressed crops in recent years, leading to unstable yields and compromised quality. Biostimulants, derived from natural components, help mitigate the damage plants experience under environmental stress. By unlocking the crops' inherent potential, they support stable and resilient growth.

2. "Towards Less Reliance on Fertilizers and Pesticides

Amid rising fertilizer costs and growing concerns about the environmental and soil impacts of pesticides, initiatives are underway to reduce the use of these inputs through the application of biostimulants. By maintaining soil and water health while preserving productivity, this represents a significant step toward sustainable agriculture.

3. A New Approach to Enhancing Flavor and Yield

Biostimulants are not just about "protection." By activating photosynthesis and promoting robust root development, these materials unlock the full potential of crops. As a result, they contribute to improved flavor and increased yields. Combined with existing cultivation techniques, they hold the promise of delivering even greater outcomes.

4. "Adaptable to Organic and Eco-Conscious Farming

With its use of naturally derived ingredients, biostimulants are highly compatible with organic farming and environmentally friendly cultivation systems. They can be employed in methods that avoid pesticides and chemical fertilizers, supporting agriculture that harmonizes with the environment.

5. Policy and Market Support for Next-Generation Materials

Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has set ambitious targets under its "Green Food System Strategy," aiming to significantly reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers by 2030. Meanwhile, regulatory reforms and legal frameworks, particularly in Europe, are driving the global expansion of the biostimulant market. As these favorable conditions evolve, the adoption of biostimulants is expected to become increasingly accessible worldwide.

Definitions and Characteristics of Biostimulants

Biostimulants are a category of products designed not to directly provide nutrients to plants, but to enhance their inherent functions. They primarily offer the following benefits:

• Promote plant growth (e.g., germination, root extension, activation of photosynthesis).
• Alleviate environmental stresses such as drought, heat, and salinity.
• Activate soil microorganisms and improve soil conditions.
• Enhance fertilizer efficiency (e.g., improving nutrient absorption rates).

Main Types and Examples of Biostimulant Components

"Practical Applications in Agriculture

• Enhancing root growth: Used as a root growth promoter for fruiting crops like tomatoes and strawberries.
• Preventing grain ripening issues: Helps address poor grain maturation during high-temperature rice cultivation.
• Mitigating drought stress: Serves as a countermeasure against drying stress in greenhouse horticulture.
• Supporting organic farming: Acts as a supplementary substitute for pesticides and chemical fertilizers in organic agriculture.

"Moriroku Agri (Moriroku Group) Began Handling Biostimulant Materials in 2022

Moriroku Agri Co., Ltd., headquartered in Tokushima Prefecture and part of the Moriroku Group, is engaged in the sales of fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural materials, and the processing of agricultural films. The company also distributes food ingredients such as brown rice and fresh produce, along with golf-related materials.

Starting in 2022, Moriroku Agri introduced biostimulant materials, offering tailored proposals based on crops, soil conditions, and climate. These include amino acids, peptides, organic acids, seaweed extracts, and microorganisms.

Feedback from agricultural corporations highlights improvements in crop flavor and yield through the use of these materials.

• Here is the official website of Moriroku Agri Co., Ltd. (Japanese only)