/Plant Biostimulants — The New Era of Agriculture
BlogPlant Biostimulants — The New Era of Agriculture
Markka Genetik Ar-Ge Ekibi
In the past 10 years, from the European Union to Latin America, one category has placed itself at the center of the modern agricultural conversation: biostimulants. While traditional fertilizers answer "how much element did we give the plant?", biostimulants focus on "how efficiently does the plant use that element?" and "how does the plant cope with stress?"
When the European Union's 2019/1009 regulation officially recognized biostimulants as a separate category from fertilizers, the industry began estimating the scale of this market. Global biostimulant sales are now projected to exceed USD 5 billion by 2030.
At Markka Genetik, we have maintained this category in our portfolio for years across the seaweed, amino acid, and humic/fulvic acid product families (Algisea, Diamente, Isobau, Doca-22 and others). This guide explains in clear language what biostimulants are, how they work, and which to use when.
EU 2019/1009 defines a biostimulant as:
"A product that improves plant nutrition efficiency by stimulating one or more of the following: (a) Nutrient use efficiency, (b) Tolerance to abiotic stress, (c) Quality traits, (d) Availability of confined nutrients in the rhizosphere."
In other words: fertilizer directly supplies nutrients. Biostimulant enables the plant to use these nutrients more efficiently or survive under stress. This distinction is both legal and scientific.
| Dimension | Fertilizer | Biostimulant |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Supply elements to plant | Support plant's physiological responses |
| Mode of action | Direct nutrition (N, P, K, micro) | Hormonal signaling, enzyme activation, microbiome |
| Dose | High (kg/ha) | Very low (mL/L) |
| Effect speed | Element-based (days to weeks) | Generally within 1-2 weeks |
| Legal category (EU) | Fertilizer regulation | Biostimulant regulation (PFC 6) |
| Active substance | Inorganic or organic | Naturally sourced, mostly organic |
An analogy: Fertilizer = food. Biostimulant = vitamin/health supplement. They are not rivals; they are complementary.
The EU regulation divides biostimulants into 6 main categories. Examples from the Markka Genetik portfolio:
Source: Leonardite, composted organic matter Effect: Soil structure, CEC increase, supporting nutrient absorption Markka equivalent: Doca-22, Nexxus, Humiwicks, Fulvic Powder
For a detailed guide: Humic and Fulvic Acid Explained
Source: Plant or animal protein hydrolysis Effect: Amino acid building blocks, hormonal signaling, stress resistance Markka equivalent: Diamente, Isobau
Amino acids are directly usable by plants — they accelerate protein synthesis and save energy under stress conditions.
Source: Species such as Ascophyllum nodosum, Ecklonia maxima Effect: Natural plant hormones (auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins), polysaccharides, minerals Markka equivalent: Algisea, Algacytokin
Seaweed extract is among the most thoroughly studied biostimulant types as a natural plant hormone source.
Source: Mycorrhizal fungi, Trichoderma, PGPR (plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria) Effect: Root-fungal symbiosis, pathogen suppression, phosphorus mobilization
This category is not yet active in the Markka portfolio due to special storage requirements for live organisms. It is a developing area in the sector.
Source: Synthetic or natural chelating agents (EDDHA, EDTA, lignosulfonates) Effect: Keeping micro-elements bioavailable to the plant Markka equivalent: Ferroling, Ferron, Fertiron (Fe-EDDHA), Zinconit, Nutri Fulvic Zinc
Chelates technically straddle both fertilizer and biostimulant definitions. EU regulation classifies by content.
Source: Silicon, cobalt, selenium — elements not essential to the plant but supportive Effect: Disease resistance, cell wall strengthening
Biostimulants are not "luxury" for the grower — they are a strategic investment. The most effective use cases:
International sustainable agriculture and good agricultural practices certifications mandate reduction of chemical inputs. Biostimulants are key tools for this goal.
In export-oriented, quality-sensitive production (strawberry, grape, cherry, greenhouse tomato), quality gains justify the extra cost.
Form: Liquid concentrate Source: Ascophyllum nodosum Best for: Stress periods (drought, heat, salinity), flowering support Application: Foliar and drip — 200-300 mL/100L or 2-3 L/ha
Form: Liquid, cytokinin-rich Best for: Rooting, seedling establishment, branch multiplication, flower bud formation Application: Foliar — 100-200 mL/100L
Form: Liquid high amino acid content Best for: Post-stress recovery, rapid protein synthesis, mid-season energy support Application: Foliar and drip — 150-250 mL/100L
Form: Amino acid + organic complex Best for: Soil rehabilitation, seedling phase, organic farming programs Application: Drip — 2-4 L/ha
Form: Humic/fulvic content Best for: Soil structure, microbial activity, sustainable programming Application: Drip dominant — detail in humic/fulvic guide
A single biostimulant does not fit every situation. Different biostimulants are used at different stages through the season. Sample greenhouse tomato program:
| Stage | Biostimulant | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Seedling establishment | Algacytokin + Isobau | Rooting, rapid vegetative start |
| Vegetative growth | Doca-22 (drip) | Soil structure, root microbiome |
| Early flowering | Algisea (foliar) + Diamente (drip) | Flower integrity, pollen quality |
| Full flowering | Algisea + Diamente (combined) | Stress resilience |
| Fruit growth | Diamente (drip) | Cell growth, quality |
| Mid-harvest | Algisea + Nexxus | Fatigue reduction, re-flowering |
| Post-harvest | Doca-22 + Humiwicks | Soil rehabilitation, next season |
False. A biostimulant is not a fertilizer. It does not supply adequate elements. It is always used alongside an NPK and micro-element fertilizer program.
False. Biostimulants act hormonally; excess dose can reverse the effect (e.g., excess cytokinin can suppress flowering). Label dose is essential.
False. Biostimulants are also widely used in conventional farming — particularly for quality gains in high-value crops.
Partially false. Although naturally derived, improper use (wrong timing, wrong dose, incompatible mixing) can cause plant stress and yield loss.
Biostimulants are a strategic investment category in Markka's portfolio. We offer a line covering all 6 sub-categories with 8+ products. At our Antalya AOSB facility, we standardize biostimulant formulations in our own laboratory; each batch is documented with accredited analysis reports.
When biostimulant investment is at 10-15% of annual fertilizer budget, most growers report yield and quality gains that justify the expense.
Seasonal program consultation: [email protected] · WhatsApp +90 242 424 82 91
Can biostimulants be applied in the same tank as fertilizer? In most cases yes, but small-scale compatibility testing should be done for each new mixture. Mixtures with intense phosphate-content tanks and seaweed extracts may precipitate.
Which biostimulants are usable in organic farming? Natural-origin ones — humic/fulvic acid, seaweed extracts, protein hydrolysates, beneficial microorganisms. Markka's Turkish Ministry of Agriculture-registered range is produced to international standards suitable for this use.
How quickly do biostimulant effects appear? Generally visible effect begins within 7-14 days — deepening leaf color, accelerated new shoot growth, reduction in stress symptoms. Soil-based (humic) products have longer-term effects (weeks-months).
Are amino acid products the same as amino acid tablets sold as supplements? No. Agricultural amino acid products are formulated for plant use and obtained via protein hydrolysis. Amino acids sold as human supplements may not be absorbable by plant leaves.
Is there a difference between seaweed extract and seaweed powder? Yes. Liquid extracts are concentrated and standardized in content — labels specify active substance percentage. Powder or dry seaweed is in "raw" form, with lower content standardization.
Can I reduce NPK dose when using biostimulants? Partially yes. Because biostimulants improve nutrient efficiency, fertilizer quantity can be reduced 10-20% while preserving yield. However, this must be based on soil analysis — not blindly.
Can foliar fertilizer and biostimulant be mixed in the same application? In most cases yes — and combined application enhances biostimulant effect — particularly because amino acid or fulvic acid serves as a "carrier" in foliar absorption.
How quickly does biostimulant investment pay back? In high-value crops (greenhouse tomato, strawberry, grape), it generally covers its cost in the same season through yield/quality increase. In cereals and field crops, payback comes in 2-3 seasons through soil rehabilitation.
Biostimulants are the second pillar of modern agriculture, complementing fertilizer. Since the EU regulation officially defined the category, this rapidly growing market is becoming widespread also in Turkey — particularly among export-oriented growers.
With 20 years of production experience, Markka Genetik produces all sub-categories of biostimulants domestically — serving both our domestic growers (across 30+ countries on 4 continents — Middle East, Balkans, Central Asia, Africa) and our export customers. Our Turkish Ministry of Agriculture-registered production infrastructure ensures our products are produced to international standards.
Markka biostimulant portfolio: markkagenetik.com.tr/products?category=seaweed