In a groundbreaking study published in the *Journal of Sustainable Agriculture and Environment*, researchers have uncovered how integrated nutrient management (INM) combining biostimulants and inorganic fertilizers can bolster drought resistance in pasture species, depending on soil type. This research, led by Chioma Igwenagu from the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment at Western Sydney University, offers promising insights for the agriculture sector, particularly in regions grappling with water scarcity and soil degradation.
The study focused on Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), a widely cultivated pasture species, and explored the effects of biostimulants at different fertiliser rates in both light- and heavy-textured soils under varying watering conditions. The findings reveal that biostimulants can play a pivotal role in enhancing nutrient availability and sustaining plant growth, thereby facilitating drought tolerance and post-drought recovery.
Under non-drought conditions, the biostimulant increased plant growth at higher fertiliser rates in heavy-textured soils but not in light-textured soils. However, under drought conditions, the biostimulant did not significantly enhance plant growth at any fertiliser rate. Interestingly, it marginally offset drought effects in light-textured soils at the lower fertiliser rate. In heavy-textured soils, the biostimulant increased microbial biomass more strongly at higher fertiliser rates.
“Our research highlights the complex interplay between soil type, fertiliser rate, and biostimulant application,” said Igwenagu. “The use of biostimulants in INM can improve nutrient availability and sustain plant growth, but the effectiveness varies depending on the soil type and the severity of the drought.”
The study also found that the negative effects of drought on plant growth were more pronounced in heavy-textured soils, with a lasting impact post-drought. During this period, the biostimulant improved microbial biomass and extractable phosphorus at higher fertiliser rates, with nitrogen increases restricted to previously droughted soils. Independently, the biostimulant enhanced post-drought recovery of plant growth in light-textured soil by stimulating root growth.
These findings have significant implications for the agriculture sector, particularly in developing integrated nutrient management strategies that consider soil type and fertiliser rate. By optimizing the use of biostimulants, farmers can potentially reduce fertiliser inputs, preserve soil health, and improve yield, even under drought conditions.
“As climate change continues to exacerbate water scarcity and soil degradation, the need for sustainable agricultural practices becomes ever more critical,” Igwenagu added. “Our research provides a foundation for developing more resilient and productive agricultural systems.”
The study, published in the *Journal of Sustainable Agriculture and Environment*, underscores the importance of tailored approaches to nutrient management, taking into account the unique characteristics of different soil types and the specific needs of pasture species. As the agriculture sector continues to grapple with the challenges posed by climate change, these findings offer a beacon of hope for more sustainable and productive farming practices.
In the long run, this research could shape future developments in agritech, driving innovation in biostimulant formulations and precision agriculture tools. By harnessing the power of integrated nutrient management, farmers can not only enhance the resilience of their crops but also contribute to the broader goals of environmental sustainability and food security.