By Jamie Martin
Illinois farmers frequently ask if biologicals actually work. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign experts Fred Below and Connor Sible often explain the difference between biologicals and biostimulants, stressing the need for clear definitions and better regulations.
Biologicals are living microbes used on soil, seeds, or plants to improve growth. Biostimulants are non-living natural substances like organic acids or plant extracts with similar benefits. Both help in crop production, soil health, and reducing plant stress.
However, farmers, companies, and researchers often use different terms. Regulations also vary, adding confusion. To address this, Sible, and Juliann Seebauer analyzed the market and shared their insights with farmers and policymakers.
Biologicals, first used in soybean inoculants, expanded to specialty crops and later to major crops like corn and soybean. This led to hundreds of products in the market with mixed results and often exaggerated claims.
Federal rules in the U.S. only cover microbial inoculants. Other products are regulated by states, but labeling and rules differ from state to state, causing more confusion for farmers.
The researchers suggest having separate federal regulations for biologicals and biostimulants. Microorganisms can change or pose risks, so they need stricter controls compared to non-living inputs.
Their goal is to protect farmers while allowing the industry to grow. They also want farmers, scientists, and companies to agree on common terms and fair rules. “For this market and how fast it's growing, we need all of the perspectives — academics, industry, and farmers — to come together on these products,” said Below.
Their work supports a better understanding of biologicals and biostimulants, aiming to create a safer and more beneficial farming market for everyone involved.
Click here to access “Biostimulant or biological? The complexity of defining, categorizing, and regulating microbial inoculants,”
Photo Credit: istock-fangxianuo
Categories: National