Knowledge space

Biostimulant benefits: Improving soils, yields and sustainability

Written by Arevo_EN | Mar 10, 2025 11:59:11 AM

The challenge of balancing productivity with sustainability has never been greater. For soybean farmers, saving time on repetitive tasks, caring for the soil, and maintaining control over their operations are top priorities.

At the same time, soybean farmers face rising input costs, unpredictable weather, and increasing pressure to adopt environmentally responsible practices.

Ettore Di Biase, test grower and Project Coordinator at Biostimulants Agricola 2000, highlights the potential of biostimulants in addressing these challenges. By enhancing plant growth, improving stress resilience, and reducing reliance on chemical inputs, biostimulants support natural processes that not only boost yields but also contribute to healthier soils and reduced environmental impact.

— Biostimulants, like Arevo Booster, give us the opportunity to support crop germination and yield while reducing the amount of chemical fertilizer needed. This saves time and money for individual farmers while simultaneously improving soil health and promoting more sustainable farming practices, says Ettore Di Biase.

Farmersevolving priorities

Recent research highlights that farmers value solutions that save time, support soil health, and provide reliability in uncertain conditions. For soybean growers in Europe, these priorities align closely with the benefits offered by a biostimulant. Arevo Booster is designed to enhance efficiency by reducing dependency on chemical inputs while improving the plants' natural resilience.

Arevo Booster also supports sustainability by promoting healthier soils and minimizing nutrient runoff, and it strengthens plants to better withstand environmental stressors like drought and poor soil conditions. By delivering nitrogen directly to the plant without interfering with natural nitrogen fixation Arevo Booster supports robust growth and healthier soils.

— There are many biostimulants on the market with different compositions, effects, performances, and methods of implementation. Arevo Booster is a seed treatment that can be applied with standard equipment, making it easy to integrate into various farming systems while delivering strong results in germination and yield increase, says Ettore Di Biase, test grower and Project Coordinator at Biostimulants Agricola 2000.

Understanding a plant biostimulant

Plant biostimulants are a game-changer in modern agriculture, offering a natural way to enhance plant growth and productivity. These substances, or microorganisms, stimulate natural processes within plants, leading to improved nutrient uptake, better nutrient use efficiency, and increased tolerance to abiotic stress. The result? Healthier crops and higher yields.

Derived from a variety of sources, including plants, microorganisms, and complex organic materials, a biostimulant can be applied in several ways. Whether through foliar sprays, soil drenches, or seed treatments, these versatile products fit seamlessly into existing farming practices. By promoting crop quality and resilience, a plant biostimulant is helping farmers achieve sustainable productivity.

Why plant biostimulants are gaining momentum

According to McKinsey’s 2024 Global Farmer Insights, farmers are prioritizing productivity improvements that align with sustainable practices. A biostimulant like Arevo Booster is increasingly seen as an essential tool for modern farming. Studies show that Arevo Booster increases plant quality by 8% and root development by 7%, translating to 4-6% more soybeans per acre.

This improvement not only boosts yields but also reduces costs by lowering reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, cutting cultivation expenses. Additionally, the product minimizes nutrient runoff and fosters a thriving soil ecosystem, supporting long-term sustainability.

— This seed treatment helps farmers cultivate more efficiently while protecting the environment. It’s the result of years of research and global field testing, Dr. Regina Gratz, Head of Product Development at Arevo, emphasizes.

Adoption trends and challenges

Despite their benefits, biostimulants are not yet universally adopted. Barriers such as unclear return on investment (ROI) and limited technical knowledge remain. Farmers need clear, evidence-based information and tailored solutions to confidently integrate a biostimulant into their operations.

To address these challenges, Arevo conducts extensive field trials to demonstrate product efficacy, partners with agronomists and distributors for personalized support, and offers educational resources to help farmers understand the role of biostimulants in sustainable farming. As a member of the European Biostimulants Industry Council (EBIC), Arevo is also part of their efforts to promote sustainable agriculture through the global adoption of plant biostimulants, supported by education, advocacy, and support for members, policymakers, and farmers.

NDVI-measurements in Mulazzano. Picture: Agricola 2000

When Ettore Di Biase, test grower and Project Coordinator at Biostimulants Agricola 2000, who led the trials of Arevo Booster in Mulazzano, Italy, is asked about the ease or challenges farmers face when implementing biostimulants, he explains:

— In the case of Arevo Booster, it is a seed treatment, making it very easy for individual farmers to implement. Biostimulants is a new way of working, but my work and our field tests show that, in the end, it’s not about working harder—it’s about working smarter. This helps farmers save time, increase yields, and treat the soil that feeds us all with greater care.

Environmental benefits of sustainable soybean production

Sustainable soybean production is more than a trend; it’s a necessity for the future of agriculture. A biostimulant plays a pivotal role in this by improving nutrient use efficiency and reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilizers. This not only lowers the environmental impact but also promotes healthier soils.

A biostimulant can enhance soil health for example by increasing the population of beneficial microorganisms, such as mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This helps better soil structure, improved water retention, and reduced soil erosion. Moreover, by promoting more efficient use of resources, a biostimulant helps reduce the carbon footprint of soybean production, making farming practices more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Looking ahead

As the agricultural sector evolves, the role of a biostimulant is expected to expand. Arevo Booster represents a significant step toward sustainable soybean farming, offering a way to maintain productivity while reducing environmental impact. With its easy application and proven results, it fits seamlessly into existing farming systems.

Arevo remains committed to innovation, with plans to extend this technology to other crops. By prioritizing both productivity and sustainability, the company is helping farmers navigate the challenges of modern agriculture while protecting the planet for future generations.