BACKGROUND: Biostimulants are increasingly integrated into production systems with the goal of modifying physiological processes in plants to optimize productivity. Specifically, L-⊍-amino acid-based biostimulants enhance plant productivity through improved photosynthesis and increased assimilation of essential nutrients such as nitrogen (N). This element is a major component of fertilizers, which usually are applied in excess. Thus, the inefficient use of N fertilizers has generated a serious environmental pollution issue. The use of biostimulants has the potential to address problems related to N fertilization. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze whether two biostimulants based on L-⊍-amino acid (Terra Sorb® radicular and Terramin® Pro) designed by Bioiberica, S.A.U company can compensate deficient N fertilization and test its effect on lettuce plants. Growth, photosynthetic, N accumulation, and N use efficiency (NUE) parameters were analyzed on lettuce leaves. RESULTS: Results showed that regardless of N fertilization, the use of both biostimulants, especially Terramin® Pro, increased biomass production. Moreover, both biostimulants enhanced photosynthetic, NO 3 − and total N accumulations as well as NUE parameters.CONCLUSION: Therefore, Terra Sorb® radicular and Terramin® Pro constitute a useful tool for crops development in N-limiting areas, and in intensive agricultural areas without N deficiency allowing the reduction of N inputs without impairing crop yields and reducing environmental impact.
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