Biostimulants and Microbial Bioformulations
Authors: Burdon Georgie , Etches Irris , Smith Hannah 
Published: April 2024

Agricultural biostimulants enhance crop performance through improved nutrient uptake and increased resilience. These substances positively influence plant metabolism, promoting superior photosynthesis and nutrient absorption. They also contribute to soil health. Parameters such as dry matter yield were closely examined to evaluate the performance of kale crops under the influence of the biostimulant, providing insights into its potential benefits within both conventional and regenerative farming contexts. These glasshouse trials were carried out in the Department of Botany at the University of Otago, along with field trials on Lake Hawea and Glen Dene Stations. Bacteria samples were prepared in the Centre for Innovation before being planted out onto the trials. Information for the report was gathered from several sources including journals, literature reviews, on field trials, and laboratory visits at the University of Otago. Embracing biostimulants aligns with sustainable agriculture, offering an eco-friendly approach. They complement traditional fertilizers, optimizing effectiveness, and fostering early plant development. Rye seeds coated with beneficial microbes represent an innovative application, promoting nutrient absorption, root development, and crop resilience. This technology aligns with eco-friendly farming. Field trials of kale cultivation, to evaluate a biostimulant impact on growth, yield, and stress resilience, guiding farmers in seamless integration for enhanced productivity sustainably. This report provides an insight into the uses of kelp biostimulants and microbial coatings for future farmers to integrate into sustainable farming practices.

Biostimulants for Rye and Kale

The research project involved planting rye and kale seeds in the glasshouse and introducing selected biostimulants to assess their impact. The study focused on evaluating the yield, specifically the dry matter, of both grass and kale. The goal was to understand how the application of specific biostimulants influenced the growth and productivity of rye and kale, with a particular emphasis on quantifying dry matter yield as a key outcome measure.

Rye Seeds Coated with a Beneficial Bacteria

This study explored the glasshouse cultivation of rye seeds coated with a beneficial microbe. This involved applying a microbial coating. The research aimed to investigate the impact of this coating on the growth and productivity of rye. The goal was to determine the efficacy of rye seeds coated with beneficial microbes (including their stability during storage) in enhancing the yield, offering a promising avenue for advancing modern agricultural practices.

Kelp Biostimulant on Kale - Field Trial

The field trial focused on the cultivation of kale on two distinct farms – one employing conventional practices and the other following regenerative farming methods. In this study, a biostimulant derived from kelp was introduced to assess its impact on kale growth and yield in both farming systems. The research aimed to compare and contrast the effects of the kelp-based biostimulant on two different agricultural approaches.

Supervised by: Craig Bunt

Scholarship Projects Funded by: Riddet Otago Scholarship, Kelp Blue, RAGT