Effect and benefits of biostimulants in agriculture
Recent growing seasons have shown how quickly heat, drought or heavy rainfall can undermine yield planning and how the climate is becoming increasingly unpredictable. This is precisely where biostimulants such as boncrop flow and boncrop solid come in: they are designed to activate the natural defence and growth processes of your crops, thus ensuring stable yields even under stressful conditions. This makes them a central component of integrated, sustainable crop production that combines economy, sustainability and soil fertility.
Mechanisms of action
Biostimulants do not act like traditional fertilisers, but rather as biological stimulants for the plant: they activate signalling pathways, promote root architecture and strengthen the microbiome. Algae extracts from Ascophyllum nodosum provide phytohormones and antioxidants, while Trichoderma fungi stimulate soil life. The result: higher nutrient efficiency, greater stress tolerance and stable photosynthetic performance – even during periods of drought or heat, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
Power from Ascophyllum nodosum
The brown algae provides alginate, amino and humic acids, vitamins and phytohormones such as auxin and cytokinin. This combination increases water retention capacity and nutrient availability and protects the plant from abiotic stress.
The stress primer effect – early resilience training
Biostimulants such as boncrop flow and boncrop solid do not act like traditional fertilisers, but rather as biological stimulants that prepare plants for future stressful situations. A slight, early stress triggers signal cascades that store defence proteins – a ‘stress memory’. If heat or drought stress occurs again, this protective equipment is available within seconds and prevents yield losses. This is what is meant by the stress primer effect.
Key effects at a glance
- Activated defence mechanisms: boncrop promotes the formation of antioxidant enzymes and heat shock proteins, enabling the plant to neutralise stress factors more quickly.
- Strengthened root systems: Algae active ingredients and the patented Trichoderma strain in boncrop solid increase fine root formation; water and nutrient uptake remain stable even when the soil dries out.
- Regulated phytohormones: Auxins, cytokinins and abscisic acid from Ascophyllum nodosum precisely control growth and stress responses and promote uniform development.
Practical example: maize 2023 (Huntlosen)
boncrop-treated crops achieved 134.8 dt DM/ha compared to 128.1 dt DM/ha in the untreated control – an increase of around 6.7 dt/ha or 5%.
Synergy with Trichoderma
The patented Trichoderma strain in boncrop solid produces enzymes and hormones, revitalises the soil microbiome and even extends its effect in soils with a pH of 4-8. In combination with the algae extracts, this creates a ‘root boost’ that maximises nutrient uptake.
What exactly are biostimulants?
Biostimulants are innovative products that activate natural processes in plants and soil. They complement fertiliser and plant protection strategies by increasing nutrient efficiency, stress tolerance and quality parameters.
Clear distinction
Biostimulants do not replace fertilisers or plant protection, but stimulate natural processes that improve nutrient efficiency, stress tolerance and quality characteristics.
EU Fertiliser Products Regulation (EU 2019/1009)
Since the entry into force of EU Regulation 2019/1009 in July 2022, plant biostimulants have been listed as product category PFC 6. They may be marketed throughout the EU once conformity has been demonstrated – a requirement that all boncrop products already meet.
Proven benefits
Practical and precision trials in different regions and crops – from grain maize to winter wheat to rapeseed – clearly confirm the added value of boncrop biostimulants: they increase fine root formation, enhance nutrient efficiency and stabilise yields even after heat or drought stress. We have compiled the most important key figures from the latest series of trials below.
- Root growth – improved root growth and increased fine root formation
- Water uptake – increased water use efficiency
- Nutrient efficiency – improved P availability, better micronutrient uptake
- Stress resistance – faster regeneration after drought stress
Yield & quality – stable grain yields, higher crude protein content
The following key figures summarise the most important results – from yield and quality increases to improved crop development.
- Grain maize, Huntlosen 2023: +5% yield increase with boncrop solid (125 kg/ha)
- Winter wheat, Huntlosen 2022: +1.4% yield increase with boncrop flow
- Spring barley, Huntlosen 2023: +17% yield increase with boncrop flow
- Winter rapeseed, Bamberg 2023: +7% yield increase with boncrop flow
- Table potatoes, Huntlosen 2023: +8% yield increase and better sorting with boncrop flow
Application & Dosage
Precise timing of application is crucial to ensure that the stress primer effect develops its full potential. Apply boncrop solid as early as possible before sowing to stimulate the root system during early development, and apply boncrop flow specifically to the foliage during the vegetative phase as soon as the crop has formed sufficient leaf mass (BBCH 12–39).
The following summary lists the recommended application rates and techniques for the most important crops, allowing you to optimally coordinate application costs, technology and crop stage.
boncrop flow – liquid formulation – use BBCH 12-39 – 2 l/ha by spraying
boncrop solid – granules – use with sowing – 125 kg/ha – underfoot technique, fertiliser spreader
The aim is to achieve root growth as early as possible so that the stress primer effect can take full effect. This allows the plant's defence system to kick in at the right time in stressful situations: the roots branch out more strongly, water and nutrient uptake increase, and subsequent stress peaks encounter crops that are optimally prepared. This means you can lay the foundation for stable crops right from the sowing stage.
Further crop-specific application rates and application windows can be found in our crop profiles.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions from practice
Does boncrop replace my N fertilisation?
No. Biostimulants do not themselves provide any relevant nitrogen. They improve nutrient utilisation and can thus reduce the fertiliser balance, but they do not replace needs-based mineral fertilisation – this must continue to be planned individually for each farm.
Does boncrop also work on light sandy soils?
Yes. The patented Trichoderma strain remains active even in humus-poor sandy locations and in acidic soils down to pH 4, where it promotes root and soil life. In trials on light sandy sites, stable yield increases and better nutrient availability were measured.
Are there any residue limits or waiting periods?
As a CE-marked PFC-6 product, boncrop does not contain any active ingredients with maximum residue levels. The EU Fertiliser Products Regulation therefore does not require a waiting period. boncrop can be applied until shortly before harvest without causing residue problems.
Can I mix boncrop with plant protection products?
boncrop flow can be mixed with common herbicides, fungicides and foliar fertilisers in practical and laboratory mixing tests. However, it is advisable to carry out a quick preliminary test in a bucket to rule out flocculation, for example. Click here for the instructions for the mixing test.
How quickly will I see effects?
Visual differences – stronger leaf green, denser stands – usually become apparent from BBCH 30. In maize, boncrop recommends application from the four-leaf stage; initial increases in root mass and chlorophyll can be measured a few weeks later and are reflected in the yield at harvest.
Is boncrop suitable for organic farming?
Yes. boncrop flow is FiBL-listed and therefore approved for organic farming. The algae and microorganism base complies with all EU organic regulations (EU 2018/848, 2021/1165). Farmers can use the product without restrictions in organic crop rotations. boncrop solid, on the other hand, is only used in conventional agriculture.
You can find more frequently asked questions and answers in our FAQ section.
Want to learn more about the effects and benefits of biostimulants?
Our compact product brochure clearly summarises test results, dosage recommendations and practical tips. Download the PDF for free or speak directly to our advisory team.