Biostimulants Market Demand: The Role of Environmental Regulations Discussed
The global biostimulants market was valued at USD 2.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% from 2023 to 2030. This growth is driven by increasing demand for biostimulants in various applications such as seed, soil, and foliar treatment. Biostimulants are organic fertilizers that promote plant growth and production from seed germination to plant maturity. They also support the growth of soil microbes that aid in nutrient transfer and soil fertility. By improving soil microflora, these fertilizers enhance nutrient absorption, increase antioxidant activity, and protect plants from environmental stress and diseases. The hormones in biostimulants promote root development and cell enlargement, boosting plant vigor and overall health. Made from natural, environmentally friendly materials, biostimulants are increasingly used in organic farming, a practice gaining popularity due to growing demand for healthier, pesticide-free food.
Organic foods, free from harmful toxins, offer essential nutrients that benefit human health. Over the past few years, organic vegetables and fruits have seen a surge in demand due to their nutritional value, reduced pesticide use, and sustainability. As organic farming expands in developing economies, the demand for biostimulants is expected to increase in the coming years.
Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Global Biostimulants Market
Active Ingredients Insights
In 2022, the acid-based segment accounted for over 48% of the market, largely due to the growing use of amino acids, which are rich in phytohormones that activate plant metabolic systems and promote seed generation. Humic substances, derived from microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, and the decomposition of animal and plant matter, play a crucial role in nutrient availability, carbon and oxygen exchange, and soil productivity. They also reduce the toxicity of chemicals and heavy metals in cultivation, while improving soil’s pH buffering, water retention, and nutrient availability, including iron, phosphorus, and zinc. The rising interest in humic substances for agricultural systems is contributing to market growth.
Seaweed extracts are another key biostimulant, containing plant growth chemicals such as auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, and essential nutrients like potassium, nitrogen, and iron. Extracts from brown algae, such as Sargassum, Laminaria, and Ascophyllum nodosum, are especially popular for enhancing seed germination, fruit quality, nutrient uptake, and overall yield. Seaweeds also improve soil structure and aeration, acting as chelating agents that facilitate mineral uptake, boost root growth, and provide resistance against environmental stresses, thereby increasing crop productivity.
Microbial biostimulants, including Rhizobacteria, Rhizobium, Mycorrhizal, and non-mycorrhizal fungi, also play a vital role. These biofertilizers contain living microorganisms that enhance soil fertility by expanding the plant root area and increasing the plant’s capacity to absorb nutrients. Phosphorus fertilizers pose environmental concerns due to soil saturation and water pollution, but microbial biostimulants offer an eco-friendly alternative by optimizing nutrient supply.
Crop Type Insights
Row crops and cereals dominated the biostimulants market in 2022, with a revenue share exceeding 61%. The demand for crops like cotton, oats, barley, millets, and soybeans, often referred to as commodity crops, has been increasing. These crops are grown on large scales and are significant contributors to global market growth. Biostimulants improve seed size, cell division, and crop yields for grains like corn, barley, and soybeans by overcoming barriers to cell expansion and division. They are also essential for root development, fruiting, and stem formation in vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and melons. In North America, potatoes are a staple, while fruits like apples, blueberries, and cranberries are also majorly produced, particularly in Canada.
The turf and ornamental crops segment held the second-largest share in 2022, driven by the use of biostimulants to enhance nutrient uptake, root production, pest resistance, and the quality of turfgrass. Seaweed extracts and humic acids are commonly used in sports turf, aiding in root and shoot growth through the plant hormones auxins and cytokinins.
Application Insights
In 2022, foliar treatment accounted for over 79% of the market, largely due to the widespread application of biostimulants directly to plant leaves, which makes nutrient absorption faster and easier. Biostimulants for foliar treatments are typically sold in liquid form, making them easy to apply. Active ingredients like glycine betaine, IPA, and chelated nutrients are commonly used in these applications. Foliar treatments are highly effective, enhancing cellular activity and nutrient uptake through quick absorption, which explains their dominance in the market.
Soil treatment also holds a significant share in the biostimulants market. It involves four key techniques: physical, mechanical, chemical, and biological. Physical treatment aims to achieve maximum dry density using optimal moisture content, while mechanical treatment improves soil gradation by converting coarse-grained soil into fine grains. Chemical treatments involve applying a custom blend of chemicals to strengthen the soil. Biological treatments use biostimulants to enhance the nutritional content of the soil and seal cracks, improving overall soil health and fertility.
Seed treatment, including seed dressing, pelleting, and coating, is another major application of biostimulants. It is a cost-effective and efficient method compared to conventional spraying techniques. Seed treatment enhances plant performance and is less labor-intensive, reducing overall costs. As a result, seed treatment is projected to be the fastest-growing application for biostimulants during the forecast period.
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