Biologicals, Bio-stimulants, Bio-fertilizers, and Bio-pesticides encompass the main segments of a growing global demand for more biological approaches to farming. According to Vantage Market Research, the Global Agricultural Biologicals Market was valued at $12.3 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $33.52 billion by 2030.
This growth reflects rising awareness among farmers, driven by a demand for eco-friendly solutions and regenerative farming practices that reduce environmental impacts. Government policies supporting carbon-smart farming further encourage the shift toward biological solutions. However, the key driver may be farmers’ genuine desire to enhance soil health and improve efficiency while ensuring returns on investment. Today’s adoption rates are bolstered by a belief in achieving both profitability and healthier soils simultaneously.
A wide range of bio-inspired products can be categorized by their application methods: from pre-plant to post-harvest treatments, soil applications, foliar sprays, and even micro amounts used in seed treatments. QLF Agronomy has participated in extensive research across these applications, collaborating with multiple partners to measure their benefits. In revisiting this topic, we aimed to clarify distinctions between Biologicals and Bio-stimulants and share recent trial results that highlight their effectiveness with QLF’s L-CBF (Liquid Carbon-Based Fertilizers).
The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) definition ISO 7851:2022(E) 6.1 for Plant Bio-stimulants: Substance(s), microorganism(s) or mixtures thereof, that, when applied to seeds, plants, the rhizosphere, soil, or other growth media, act to support a plant’s natural nutrition processes independently of the bio-stimulant’s nutrient content. The plant bio-stimulant thereby improves nutrient availability, uptake or use efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress, and consequent growth, development, quality, or yield.
Key Industry Insights
Survey responses from industry leaders provided their understanding of these materials and distinctions between biologicals and bio-stimulants:
- “A biological typically means a living substance or organism, while a bio-stimulant can be any substance that reduces plant stress and promotes growth, regardless of its nutrient content,” shared one Ag Retailer and Crop Consultant.
- “Biologicals add to or stimulate existing biology, creating an ideal environment for plant growth. Bio-stimulants, however, act to push plants to grow regardless of existing soil conditions,” noted a Bio-Farming Consultant.
Research Highlights
Ag-Tech Consulting in Whitewater, Wisconsin, conducted seed treatment trials for QLF Agronomy, Locus Ag, and Kelp Products USA on corn and soybeans. KelpakMAXX, a double-strength extract from Ecklonia maxima kelp, was applied at 3 oz. per 100 lbs. of seed, costing $0.36/acre for corn and $1.15/acre for soybeans, and delivering net returns of +$16.74 to $27.34 per acre. When used in combination with Locus Ag’s biological blend—containing Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Trichoderma harzianum, and Bradyrhizobium japonicum at 1 oz. per 100 lbs. of seed—yields increased by +5.23 Bu/A in corn and +4.70 Bu/A in soybeans, generating significant agronomic returns.
At Precision Ag Research in Clarion, Iowa, adding a 1-quart Kelpak application to a 2-gallon per acre QLF BOOST foliar spray during reproductive stages increased yields by +5 Bu/A.
Further trials showed that combining biologicals with L-CBF 7-21-3 MKP and BOOST-treated UAN32% nitrogen produced better results than conventional starters. The data underscores the value of integrating a biological food source like L-CBF to enhance fertilizers and crop performance.
Where Do QLF Agronomy’s Products Fit In?
L-CBF BOOST (4-0-3-2S) is registered as a fertilizer in 32 states and delivers proven benefits across a range of applications. According to one crop consultant, “BOOST checks all the boxes.” Years of trials consistently demonstrate the value of combining bio-stimulants and biologicals with QLF’s programs, helping farmers align their crop production systems with natural processes to improve soil health and maximize efficiency.
For more information on our research and how to integrate these solutions into your programs next season, reach out to a QLF Agronomy representative.