BioFlora’s research results in the study of plant bio stimulants in almond production
From 2019 to 2022, BioFlora participated in the study of the performance of soil-applied plant bio stimulants in a 3-5 year-old almond tree production, alongside four other bio stimulant providers. The trial parameters and objectives, created in partnership with Elders Griffith, were to further understand the on-farm and commercial benefits of nine Plant Bio Stimulants, including BioFlora’s Go Isolates, Fulvex and Sea Isolates. The final study outlines products, rates, timing, plant growth, yield impacts and recommendations.
<h2>BioFlora’s participation in the almond trial
Bioflora had humble beginnings in the late 1960s. Roger Blotsky, the company’s founder, spent several years looking for the most suitable raw materials in America for his products: Humates, Fish and Kelp. Then time was spent developing methods to produce products that had all of their original natural elements available to the soil and plant in the end product. Bioflora discovered through laboratory research and field trials that products provide the best return on investment (soil and financial) to growers when drip-fed to the crop at least once per month during the crop’s irrigation cycle.
Despite application constraints within the almond trial, Bioflora was able to improve soil Biology balance as well as tree vigour, health, biomass and trunk growth. Results found that the yield and crack-out increased by 8.65% and 10%, respectively, resulting in an 88% nett return on investment (see Performance Chart above). Our recommendation is that including a Bioflora foliar programme with insecticide/fungicide sprays during crop growth stages will improve on the results already obtained.
<h2>What is a Plant Bio Stimulant?
Bio Stimulants are not classified as fertilizers, nor do they have direct effects on pests. The purpose of these products is to stimulate plant growth and optimize plant health. In the case of almond trees, the focus is on helping the trees to better utilise the applied fertiliser, as well as increasing photosynthetic activity, water and nutrient uptake and encouraging stronger root growth.
The term “bio stimulant” is defined in the 2018 Farm Bill as “a substance or microorganism that, when applied to seeds, plants or on the rhizosphere, stimulates natural processes to enhance or benefit nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress or crop quality and yield.”
<h2>Summary of the trial results
The final year results provided some interesting insights into the performance of the bio stimulant products over the three-year trial period. Improvements in soil and plant health and yield were observed, despite large variances in soil health and yield. Drone imagery was used to measure tree vigour, health and biomass, with all participating companies’ results in leaf and nut nutrition falling within the recommended range (see Performance Chart below).
Understanding the desire to pursue a more cost-effective (or, at the very least, cost neutral) and environmentally sustainable production system across a diverse growing landscape is clearly a worthwhile endeavour. The overall trial results showed a significant yield increase of 8.65%, with a crack-out improvement of 10%, providing the grower with production benefits, including an 88% nett return on investment (ROI). As a result, including bio stimulants as a component of crop inputs should be highly considered.
BioFlora provides a variety of organic natural products to help you treat your crops the way Mother Nature intended. Soil stimulants are one of the most important, and effective, ways to improve plant growth. The team of experts at BioFlora® will be happy to help you apply our range of proven products to your specific situation for maximum benefit. Our goal is to provide all Aussie growers with sustainable and organic solutions that transform both soil and plant health. For more in-depth results on the almond trial or any other questions on Bioflora products, you can contact us at or by calling 0413 839 878.