When and How to Apply Biostimulants in Tropical Maize

Introduction

Biostimulants have emerged as an effective solution to maximize the production of tropical corn, a vital crop in many regions of Latin America. In this article, we will explore when and how to apply biostimulants in tropical corn to optimize its growth and yield. By using technologies based on natural extracts and beneficial microorganisms, farmers can improve the health of their crops and, consequently, their profitability.

Benefits of Biostimulants in Tropical Corn

Biostimulants offer multiple benefits in tropical corn cultivation. Among the most notable are:

• Improved nutritional efficiency: They facilitate the absorption of essential nutrients, resulting in more robust and productive plants. A study conducted by the University of California showed that the use of biostimulants can increase nitrogen absorption by 25% and phosphorus by 30%.
• Increased stress tolerance: They help plants withstand adverse conditions such as drought or poor-quality soils. Research has shown that certain biostimulants can reduce water loss by 15% during drought periods.
• Improved harvest quality: They increase the content of sugars and other beneficial compounds in corn kernels, which can result in a 10% increase in protein content and a 15% increase in sugars, improving grain quality.
• Stimulation of root growth: They promote the development of stronger roots, which improves water and nutrient absorption. Field trials have shown that the use of biostimulants can increase root system length by 20%.

5. Increase in soil microbial activity

Biostimulants not only benefit plants directly, but also improve the soil microbiota. It has been proven that the application of biostimulants increases the population of beneficial microorganisms in the soil, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi. A study conducted in Brazil showed that the application of a biostimulant based on seaweed extracts increased microbial activity by 50%, which contributed to a more efficient nutrient cycle and healthier soil.

6. Improvement of soil structure

Biostimulants can also improve the physical structure of the soil, which in turn affects water and nutrient availability. Products based on humates and seaweed extracts can increase soil aggregation, improving aeration and moisture retention capacity. A study in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico, found that the application of a biostimulant containing humates improved soil porosity by 30%, allowing better water infiltration and healthier root growth.

When to apply biostimulants

The application of biostimulants in tropical corn should be carried out at key moments in the crop's growth cycle:

1. Before sowing

Applying biostimulants to the soil before sowing can prepare the ground and improve initial conditions for corn growth. This includes improving soil microbiota and nutrient availability. For example, studies have shown that the application of a biostimulant based on seaweed extracts can increase microbial activity in the soil by 40%, which favors the decomposition of organic matter and the release of nutrients. Additionally, the application of these biostimulants can improve soil structure, increasing its water retention capacity and reducing erosion. A practical case in which a biostimulant was applied before sowing in the Costa Rica region showed an increase of up to 20% in corn yield, compared to control plots.

2. During germination

A treatment with biostimulants during the germination phase can accelerate the process and ensure a higher emergence rate. In field trials, it has been observed that applying biostimulants at this stage can increase the germination rate by 15-20%, resulting in more uniform crop establishment. For example, in a trial conducted in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, an amino acid-based biostimulant was applied, and a significant increase in germination speed was observed, allowing for better use of the crop cycle. Additionally, applying biostimulants at this stage can reduce emergence time by up to 3 days, which is crucial for early crop establishment.

3. Vegetative stage

At this stage, applying biostimulants can enhance plant growth and leaf formation, leading to greater production potential. For instance, the use of a biostimulant with specific amino acids has shown a 30% increase in foliar biomass compared to the untreated control. A study conducted in Colombia indicated that using a biostimulant based on phytohormone extracts increased plant height by 25%, resulting in a higher number of leaves per plant and, consequently, greater photosynthetic potential. Furthermore, application at this phase can contribute to plant resistance to pests and diseases, improving overall crop health.

4. Before flowering

Applying biostimulants just before flowering can improve the quantity and quality of grains, ensuring a better harvest. Studies have indicated that applying biostimulants during this period can increase the number of grains per ear by 25%, resulting in significantly higher grain yield. In research conducted in the state of Puebla, it was observed that using biostimulants in the pre-flowering phase led to a 15% increase in grain