Biostimulants in arable farming: application for all crops
Biostimulants make a valuable contribution to sustainable agriculture. They strengthen the vitality of plants, promote growth, improve nutrient uptake and help to better cope with environmental stress. In times of climatic challenges and increasing demands on quality and yield, biostimulants are becoming increasingly important in arable farming.
The application of biostimulants is uncomplicated and can be specifically adapted to the needs of different crops.
Advantages of biostimulants for crops
- Increased yields through biostimulants
- Improved harvest quality
- Support during abiotic stress (drought, heat, cold)
- Flexibility in application
Application of biostimulants: timing and procedure
Biostimulants can be used in many ways in agriculture, regardless of whether the crop is grain, corn, rapeseed, or sugar beets. As a general rule, application should be carried out in phases throughout the growth cycle, especially at times when the plant is particularly sensitive to stress or nutrient deficiency, such as during germination, tillering, flowering, or yield formation. One to three applications per season are usually sufficient, depending on the crop and stress level. The optimal time of application is before or at the beginning of a stress phase in order to activate the plant's natural defenses in good time.
“boncrop works excellently not only in dry years but also in wet years, and I can recommend its use without reservation.”
Sebastian Büning, Product Manager biostimulants
The benefits are particularly evident in these crops
Biostimulants can be used in all crops, but the benefits are particularly evident in certain crops.
Whether improved root development, higher stress resistance, or targeted yield protection.
The use of biostimulants has proven particularly successful in the following field crops:
- Corn
- Cereals (e.g., winter wheat, barley, rye)
- Rapeseed, sunflowers & other oilseeds
- Potatoes
- Sugar beets
- Soya
- Legumes (e.g., field beans, peas)
- Hops
- Grass
- Wine (grapes)
General procedure and types of application
The most common method is the foliar application of liquid biostimulants using sprayers. This allows rapid absorption through the leaf surface and is particularly effective in acute stress conditions (e.g., drought or heat).
In addition, application to the soil with granulated biostimulants also plays an important role, especially for corn, cereals, and grassland. In corn cultivation, application takes place in the form of classic underfoot fertilization at the same time as sowing. The active ingredients are placed directly in the root zone of the seedlings. Unlike conventional under-foot fertilizers, biostimulants from boncrop pose no risk to the seed, meaning they can be applied directly to the grain. Alternatively, depending on the technique used, they can be applied at a distance of 5 cm to the side and depth.
For cereals and grassland, application is recommended either before sowing or at the beginning of the growing season to give the plants an optimal start in their development.
Important: Biostimulants should not be applied in intense sunlight or immediately before rain in order to develop their full effect.
Special features depending on the crop plant
While the basic principle of application is similar for all crops, there are exceptions: Corn and sunflowers respond particularly well to early application for root stimulation. Sugar beets benefit from an additional measure to secure yields in the late stage. For oil crops such as rapeseed, the focus is more on flower preservation and pod formation, which makes targeted application during flowering advisable.
Overall, the key to success is a crop-specific strategy that combines the physiological needs of the plant with the appropriate biostimulants.
Application of biostimulants per crop – targeted, effective, tried and tested
Every crop has its own requirements in terms of timing, application form, and application rate. That's why you'll find compact overviews for corn, cereals, rapeseed, potatoes, sugar beets, soybeans, and sunflowers with proven application tips, results from field trials, and recommendations for the optimal application time-tailored to each crop.
Simply select the crop you are interested in and find out how boncrop biostimulants can be used specifically to increase the yield, vitality, and resilience of your plants.
Selecting the right biostimulants for your business
Discover our solutions for the most important arable crops. Whether leaf application or underfoot application – our products are tailored to the needs of modern farms and can be easily integrated into existing processes.
Learn more about how they work, their advantages, and possible applications – and find the right boncrop product for your farm.
You can find more information about our biostimulants on the product page.
Frequently asked questions about the use of biostimulants
For which crops and soil types are boncrop products suitable?
boncrop products can be used easily, efficiently, and sustainably in all field crops.
How do I use boncrop products correctly—timing, dosage, and miscibility?
boncrop flow: Liquid formulation for foliar spraying with an application rate of 2 l/ha. It can be combined with common plant protection products, but a mixing test is recommended beforehand. To the mixing test.
boncrop solid: Granulated formulation that is applied with the seed, for example in corn cultivation.
Are boncrop products approved for organic farming?
Yes, boncrop flow is approved for organic farming. boncrop solid is not.
What should be considered when storing and handling the products?
Our products must be stored in a cool, dry, and frost-free place and kept out of the reach of children and pets at all times. Avoid mixing with animal feed. For product-specific information on proper storage, use (e.g., dosage, method, application time), and safety aspects, please refer to the label of the respective product.
What experiences and practical examples are there from other farmers?
Precise trials with boncrop products have demonstrated stimulating effects on plants in terms of harvest development, growth, and stress resistance.