Influence of biostimulants on growth and yield of short cycle crops in Manabí, Ecuador

Abstract

The agricultural model of the Green Revolution has led to the gradual degradation of soils, which is motivated by the impacts it causes, among which stands out the indiscriminate use of synthetic fertilizers, which while increasing yields to some extent, also acidify the soil, accumulate salts, provoke hydric stress and pollute water and crops. Biostimulants are an alternative to these practices, as they are microorganisms or products that favorably influence plants, not only due to the contribution of nutrients but also because they contain substances such as proteins, amino acids, humic and fulvic acids, growth regulators, and other beneficial molecules. Preliminary results of several investigations on the use of organic biostimulants (bioles, manure and vermicompost leachates, humic acids, efficient microorganisms) on four short-cycle species are presented: stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni), Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. cicla), peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) and sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). Variables that characterize the growth and yield of each of the studied species were evaluated, during a crop cycle, in experimental designs of completely randomized blocks. In general, the use of any of the biostimulants tested allowed similar or superior results to those obtained with chemical fertilization in the four species studied. The results obtained stimulate the use of these biostimulants as substitutes or complements of conventional chemical fertilization in these species, contributing to the sustainability of agricultural production without prejudice to the environment.