Soil regeneration with boncrop biostimulants
Healthy soil is the foundation of any successful crop rotation, but soil erosion, shifts in pH and humus loss are increasingly taking their toll.
This is exactly where boncrop biostimulants come into play: The combination of Ascophyllum nodosum, a patented Trichoderma strain and humic acids revitalises the soil microbiome, improves soil crumb structure and thus boosts soil fertility in the long term. Roots, microorganisms and the soil work more closely together: water is stored more efficiently, phosphorus is made more readily available and humus formation is promoted. This is a crucial advantage, particularly in view of increasing climate extremes.
In the following sections, you will learn how the individual active ingredients contribute to regeneration and what practical data supports these effects.
How boncrop holistically regenerates your soil
Holistic soil regeneration can be defined by three closely linked factors: soil fertility, soil structure and soil life. Each of these areas contributes in its own way to the soil’s performance.
Soil fertility describes the soil’s ability to provide plants with nutrients, water and suitable growing conditions. Fertile soil contains sufficient nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as trace elements. At the same time, it stores and supplies water as required and has a balanced pH level.
Positive effects of boncrop:
- Activates soil life and promotes the release of nutrients. This makes nutrients available to plants more quickly and in a more targeted manner.
- Strengthens root growth and improves the uptake of water and nutrients.
The soil structure describes the arrangement of soil particles, as well as the size and distribution of the pores. It determines how well water, air and nutrients move through the soil. A stable structure facilitates root growth and improves the uptake of water and nutrients. If the soil structure is disrupted, e.g. by compaction or erosion, plant growth is significantly restricted.
Targeted improvement with boncrop:
- Stabilises soil structure and supports humus formation.
- Increases water storage in the soil.
Soil life encompasses all organisms in the soil, ranging from microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi to earthworms and insects. They drive key processes: the decomposition of organic matter and the release of nutrients. At the same time, they promote humus formation, improve soil structure and support the soil’s balance.
Targeted activation by boncrop:
- Promotes cooperation between plants and microorganisms.
- Supports nutrient uptake and improves the availability of nutrients, e.g. nitrogen.
Key mechanisms of soil regeneration
A disturbed soil structure is usually caused by erosion, compacted structures and weakened soil life. boncrop tackles this in three ways: algal polysaccharides stabilise the water-air structure, a patented Trichoderma strain revitalises the soil microbiome, and humic acids bind nutrients and act as pH buffers. The interaction of these components lays the foundation for long-term soil fertility and improved nutrient efficiency, even on sites with unfavourable pH levels.
Algal polysaccharides & phytohormones
Ascophyllum nodosum introduces alginate, laminarin and natural auxins/cytokinins into the soil. Alginate binds water like a gel, releasing it gradually during drought stress and thereby improving the water-holding capacity of entire soil aggregates. Laminarin has an antioxidant effect and protects roots from abiotic stress, whilst the phytohormones stimulate cell division. Overall, this results in more fine roots and an active rhizosphere. These are ideal conditions for humus formation and uniform growth.
To find out what added value this root mass provides for the subsequent crop beyond the harvest, please see Soil Health.
Patented Trichoderma strain
boncrop’s proprietary Trichoderma strain has been proven to remain active in soils with a pH of 4 to 8. It suppresses harmful fungi, releases organic phosphorus reserves and produces enzymes that increase the root surface area. Polysaccharides from the algae extract serve as an energy source for the strain and enhance its colonisation. The result: a ‘root boost’, higher P availability and a stabilised soil structure that counteracts erosion.
Humic acids and fulvic acids – chelating agents & pH buffers
Humic acids stabilise the soil colloid complex, act as a natural pH buffer and chelate micronutrients such as zinc or boron. Fulvic acids enhance this effect, keep trace elements available to plants for weeks on end and stimulate microbes. In acidic soils, they bind excess H ions. In alkaline soils, they release bound phosphorus. This increases the cation exchange capacity (the soil’s ability to store nutrients) and the soil continuously gains organic matter. A key building block for sustainable regeneration and higher yields.
Application and dosage of boncrop
Whether light sandy soil or heavy clay, whether an acidic or alkaline site – for the synergy between algae, Trichoderma and humic acids to work reliably on the farm, the timing and application method are crucial. With boncrop solid and boncrop flow, two complementary products are available for this purpose: boncrop solid is applied as granules directly at the time of sowing to stimulate the root system early on. boncrop flow is applied as a foliar spray during the early growth stage. In this way, the combination of active ingredients – algae, Trichoderma and humic acid – reaches both the rhizosphere and the foliage equally – the stress primer kicks in before drought, heat or cold set in.
boncrop flow
Formulation: liquid
Application stage: BBCH 12–39
Application rate: 2 l/ha
Application: Foliar spray using standard crop protection equipment
boncrop solid
Formulation: granules
Application timing: at sowing
Application rate: 125 kg/ha
Application: applied at the base of the plant using a fertiliser spreader
“Early root priming: When boncrop solid is applied at sowing, the roots branch out more rapidly, water and P uptake increase, and subsequent stress peaks are met by a more resilient crop. In addition, boncrop flow reinforces the stress primer in the leaves from BBCH 12 onwards – a double protective shield for stable yields.”
FAQ: Soil regeneration with biostimulants – a brief explanation
How quickly will I see effects on humus formation?
Root activation begins immediately after sowing. Trial series show increased organic matter and higher water storage in the soil after just one growing season. However, humus formation is a long-term process – significant percentage increases are usually measurable after two to three years.
How does boncrop affect the soil’s pH?
boncrop itself does not alter the pH, but it does have a buffering effect. In acidic soils, Trichoderma aids the breakdown of organic matter, whilst in alkaline soils it produces organic acids that keep phosphorus in a soluble state. In this way, the formulation helps to cushion extreme pH fluctuations and improve nutrient availability.
Does boncrop also work on heavy soils and at pH levels above 7.5?
Yes. The patented Trichoderma strain is active within a pH range of 4 to 8. It works on light sandy soils as well as on heavy clay and loam soils. On alkaline sites, it forms organic acids that mobilise bound phosphorus and improve nutrient availability.
Can I use boncrop in organic farming?
boncrop flow is already FiBL-listed and is therefore authorised for use in organic farming. Biostimulants such as boncrop solid meet the requirements of the EU Organic Regulation 2018/848 because they contain only natural active ingredients.
Can boncrop reduce soil compaction?
boncrop stimulates root and microbial growth. Finely branched roots loosen the soil structure, increase crumb stability and improve water flow. This noticeably reduces areas of compaction, making the land more accessible to vehicles and preventing erosion – all without the need for additional tillage.
You can find further frequently asked questions and answers in our FAQ section.