Biostimulants and possibilities of their usage in grassland

Abstract

Currently, in addition to a wide range of lawn fertilizers on the market, there are new biological products available called biostimulants, fostering plant growth and development. They are based on substances of natural origin, containing plant extracts, hormones or humic substances. Biostimulants exert a positive impact on grass metabolism, stimulating life processes and reducing negative effects of pathogen infestation and adverse environmental conditions like drought, salinity or temperature fluctuations. Disparities and the lack of a uniform position to recognize biostimulants as a strictly specified group pose many problems in legislative issues, with erroneous terminology used in relation to different groups of bioactive substances applied to crops. All this creates a situation when products of untested and unstable effects are placed on the market, even if they sometimes do not have any impact on plant growth despite the claims of the producer. Growth‐promoting potential of biostimulants is very significant, and previous research has shown real benefits of their use. Increasing environmental awareness and environmental regulations is an additional factor positively affecting the development of such products. However, there is still a lack of studies that would fully characterize the reaction of plant metabolic processes to biostimulants. The aim of the study was to review current knowledge of plant biostimulant usage in grassland.

Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) Fiber Fraction Content and Dry Matter Digestibility Following Biostimulant Application against the Background of Varied Nitrogen Regime

“…Biostimulants, also called plant growth and development regulators, which represent this group of fertilization agents [3,4] have been increasingly applied in crop production [5]. In order to obtain such products, natural substances are used, e.g., algae, seaweeds (products whose commercial names are Algex and Kelpak SL), and humic and fulvic acids as well as synthetic compounds such as phenolic acids (the product whose commercial name is Asahi SL or Atonik) or titanite (the product whose commercial name is Tytanit) [6]. Frequently, biostimulants are multi-component products and they contain plant hormones or hormone-like substances, amino acids, betaines, peptides, proteins, sugars, aminopolysaccharides, lipids, vitamins, nucleotides, beneficial elements, phenolic compounds, sterols, etc.…”

Comparative Study of Sample-Preparation Techniques for Quantitative Analysis of the Mineral Composition of Humic Substances by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

“…Thus, it is crucial to know the dosage of the element in dietary supplements that have the proper therapeutic effect and have no side effects if the dosage is exceeded [49]. Since HS contains such a rich mineral composition, it can be both a source of micronutrients for plants and animals and a source of hazardous elements, polluting soils and poisoning organisms of plants and animals [50][51][52][53]. Thus, the analysis of the mineral composition of HS and especially trace elements, among which are highly hazardous to humans, is of great importance not only for research in environmental issues but also for HS-based products in other fields.…”

Biostimulants for Sustainable Management of Sport Turfgrass

“…The maintenance of high-quality turf (grass cover for football fields, golf courses, home lawns, parks and roadsides) is important in providing positive environmental, social and economic benefits. However, the management of high-quality turf relies on the use of synthetic agrochemicals to meet the high standards for aesthetics and playability, which can have a concomitant strong negative impact on the environment [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. As with the agricultural sector, negative environmental impacts are currently being addressed through innovative technology, involving the use of environmentally friendly, novel plant biostimulants based on natural substances, including amino acids, plant extracts, humic substances, protein hydrolysates, mycorrhizal fungi and N-fixing bacteria to support plant growth and development [ 1 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”

“…However, the management of high-quality turf relies on the use of synthetic agrochemicals to meet the high standards for aesthetics and playability, which can have a concomitant strong negative impact on the environment [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. As with the agricultural sector, negative environmental impacts are currently being addressed through innovative technology, involving the use of environmentally friendly, novel plant biostimulants based on natural substances, including amino acids, plant extracts, humic substances, protein hydrolysates, mycorrhizal fungi and N-fixing bacteria to support plant growth and development [ 1 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Given that European legislation is focusing on the reduction in pesticides and fertilizers by 2030, innovation policies are gaining importance in new technologies, including those related to the manufacture of biostimulants [ 4 ].…”

“…Despite the many reputed benefits, reliable scientific knowledge of the effects of biostimulants on grasses is considered scarce [ 4 ]. The requisite for more research on the effect of biological products on grasses has been highlighted [ 4 , 13 ].…”