We are delighted to announce that our Head of Research & Development, Dr. Shane O’Connell, is a co-author on a newly published opinion paper in Plants, People, Planet, an internationally peer-reviewed journal of the New Phytologist Foundation.
Titled Plant biostimulants and their potential role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the paper examines how plant biostimulants could support global efforts to build more sustainable, resilient, and equitable agricultural systems.
What the Paper Explores
Plant biostimulants are substances or microorganisms applied in small quantities to enhance plant growth, nutrient use efficiency, and tolerance to abiotic stress. In this opinion piece, the authors outline how the integration of biostimulants into agricultural practices could deliver both environmental and societal benefits.
Specifically, the paper discusses how plant biostimulants may contribute to several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals by:
Supporting food security and resilient crop production
(SDG 2 – Zero Hunger)
By improving crop productivity, nutrient-use efficiency, and tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought and heat, biostimulants may help support stable food production in the face of climate and resource pressures.
Promoting responsible use of resources and circular bioeconomy approaches
(SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production)
Many biostimulants can be derived from renewable resources or agri-food waste streams, offering opportunities to reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and support more sustainable production systems.
Contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation
(SDG 13 – Climate Action)
By improving nutrient-use efficiency and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilisers, biostimulants have the potential to lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with fertiliser production and use, while helping crops adapt to climate-related stresses.
Reducing nutrient losses to aquatic environments
(SDG 14 – Life Below Water)
Improved fertiliser efficiency can help reduce nutrient runoff and leaching, which are major contributors to water pollution, eutrophication, and ecosystem degradation in rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.
Supporting soil health, biodiversity, and land sustainability
(SDG 15 – Life on Land)
Certain biostimulants may enhance soil organic matter, microbial diversity, and overall soil function, contributing to healthier terrestrial ecosystems and reduced land degradation.
Encouraging economic growth, innovation, and collaboration
(SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals)
The development and adoption of biostimulants can support innovation, create economic opportunities, and encourage collaboration across research, industry, and agriculture.
Rather than positioning biostimulants as a single solution, the authors emphasize their role as part of integrated, science-based agricultural systems.
Unlocking Their Full Potential
A central theme of the paper is that, while interest in plant biostimulants has grown rapidly, their full potential will only be realised through consistent performance, robust evidence, and broader awareness. Clearer understanding of modes of action, improved standardisation, and effective knowledge transfer are essential for their wider adoption and integration into everyday agricultural practice.
Why This Matters
As agriculture faces increasing pressure from climate change, resource constraints, and the need to feed a growing global population, solutions that improve efficiency while reducing environmental impact are critical. This paper contributes to an important international conversation on how innovation in agricultural inputs can align with global sustainability objectives.
We’re proud to see our R&D leadership contributing to this discussion and helping shape the future of sustainable agriculture.
📄 Read the full article: https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.70161
