Harnessing biostimulants for sustainable agriculture: innovations, challenges, and future prospects

Abstract

Biostimulants are emerging as pivotal tools in sustainable agriculture, offering innovative approaches to enhance plant growth, resilience, and productivity while mitigating the environmental impacts of conventional agricultural chemicals. However, their broader adoption faces significant challenges due to inconsistent formulations, fragmented regulatory frameworks, and limited understanding of their mechanisms of action. This review aims to address these research gaps by examining the historical development, diverse classifications, and complex mechanisms underlying biostimulants' efficacy. A major focus is placed on identifying and elaborating on the current challenges, including the variability in product performance, regulatory obstacles, and economic constraints. Furthermore, this review highlights the potential of biostimulants to improve nutrient efficiency, mitigate climate change impacts, and foster resilient agricultural systems. By emphasizing recent innovations and proposing a holistic framework for research, policy, and practical application, this review underscores the imperative of advancing biostimulant science to unlock its full potential in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture.