Biostimulants are substances or microorganisms used to enhance plant growth, development, and resistance to stress conditions. These products improve nutrient uptake, support metabolic processes, and increase resilience to environmental stressors (such as drought, salinity, extreme heat, or cold). Unlike chemical fertilizers or pesticides, biostimulants do not directly provide nutrients or kill harmful organisms but instead optimize plants' natural processes.

Key Features of Biostimulants:

1. Promote Plant Growth: Enhance root development, flowering, and fruit yield.
2. Increase Stress Tolerance: Boost plants' resistance to drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, and other stress conditions.
3. Improve Nutrient Uptake: Enable plants to use soil nutrients more efficiently.
4. Support Soil Health: Enhance microbial activity to preserve soil biodiversity.

HTypes of Biostimulants:

1. Humic and Fulvic Acids: Derived from organic matter in soil, they support root development.
2. Seaweed Extracts: Contain growth-promoting hormones and nutrients.
3. Amino Acids: Aid protein synthesis and accelerate recovery under stress conditions.
4. Microorganisms: Beneficial bacteria and fungi (e.g., mycorrhiza) improve nutrient absorption.
5. Enzymes and Vitamins: Support plant metabolism.

Biostimulants are becoming increasingly popular in sustainable agricultural practices due to their eco-friendly nature and ability to reduce the need for chemical inputs.

Function and Benefits of Amino Acid-Based Biostimulants in Plants and Soil

Amino acids are key biostimulants with critical roles in plant metabolism and soil health. They enhance growth, stress tolerance, and nutrient uptake. Below are their functions and benefits:

Functions and Benefits for Plants

1. Supports Protein Synthesis: o Amino acids are building blocks for plant proteins, accelerating cell division, tissue repair, and overall growth.
o Under stress conditions (drought, salinity, extreme temperatures), they help plants conserve energy and prioritize protein synthesis.
2. Boosts Stress Tolerance:
o Amino acids like proline, glutamine, and arginine act as osmolytes, balancing cellular pressure and improving resilience to stress.
o They trigger antioxidant production (e.g., glutathione) to reduce oxidative damage.
3. Enhances Chlorophyll Production:
o Glutamic acid and glycine stimulate chlorophyll synthesis, boosting photosynthesis efficiency and energy production.
4. Improves Nutrient Uptake and Transport:
o Amino acids promote root development and increase absorption of nutrients (N, P, K, micronutrients).
o Their chelating properties convert metals (iron, zinc) into plant-available forms.
5. Enhances Flowering and Fruit Set:
o Tryptophan stimulates the production of auxin, a natural hormone that improves flowering and fruit quality.