Development of a testing protocol for the plant growth promoting and soil biological effects of biostimulants
Abstract
Currently, there is a high expectation that biostimulants can contribute to sustainable intensification by strengthening the ability of plants to use natural resources. Thus, the market for biostimulants is growing rapidly. However, there is not yet a comprehensive testing scheme to demonstrate the mode of action of biostimulants and effectively predict the likelihood of a positive yield effect. This project therefore aims to develop a test method for plant physiological and soil biological effects of biostimulants and their effects on yield. It combines studies at three scales, these include i) laboratory-based characterization of products and high-throughput molecular assays, ii) glasshouse-based study of root, rhizosphere and plant physiological processes, and iii) field-scale study of yield and stress resistance effects. The project combines methods from molecular biology (stress markers), plant physiology (hormones, isotope methods), plant science (root analysis, nutrient uptake), and soil science (microbial community analysis and activity, soil organic carbon input). It is expected that the results will provide improved insights into how biostimulants work. Specifically, how they contribute to the promotion of plant growth and stress resistance, and the main underlying physiological and soil biological mechanisms. The project aims to provide effective methods for analyzing these effects to enable standardization of product testing and reliable market information for customers.
Biostimulants Soil microbiome Plant nutrition Phenotyping Resource use efficiency
Publikationen
Project staff
Gernot Bodner
Priv.-Doz. Dr. Gernot Bodner
gernot.bodner@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-95115
Project Leader
01.07.2021 - 31.12.2024
Katharina Keiblinger
Priv.-Doz. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Katharina Keiblinger
katharina.keiblinger@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-91141
Project Staff
01.07.2021 - 31.12.2024
Orracha Sae-Tun
Dr. Orracha Sae-Tun MSc.
orracha.sae-tun@boku.ac.at
Project Staff
01.07.2021 - 31.12.2024
BOKU partners
External partners
Landwirtschaftliche Fachschule Hollabrunn
Harald Summerer
partner
RWA Raiffeisen Ware Austria AG
Markus Freudhofmaier
partner
AIT, Austrian Institute of Technology
Markus Gorfer
partner
Fa. Biohelp
none
partner
Chamber of Agriculture Lower Austria
Johannes Zauner
partner
Association Soil.Life
Hans Gnauer
partner
Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety
Erwin Pfundtner
partner