Agricultural biostimulants: from pressure to opportunity for a more profitable and sustainable agriculture
Climate and regulatory pressure is a reality that tests the profitability and sustainability of agriculture. In this complex scenario, Altinco presented at Fruit Attraction 2025 the key role of agricultural biostimulants as a tool to face these challenges and help the sector adapt without losing competitiveness.
The new agricultural scenario: more demanding, yet full of possibilities
Agriculture is going through a decisive moment. As the effects of climate change intensify, regulatory demands also tighten. Prolonged droughts, loss of soil fertility, restrictions on fertilizers and pesticides, and a future where producing more and better is essential to feed a growing population.
This new context forces the sector to reinvent itself. But, as Naîma Chahoua, Product Manager at Altinco, pointed out during her talk at the Fruit Next Forum at Fruit Attraction 2025, it’s not all threats: “pressure can also be an opportunity.”
In her speech, preceded by Joan Minguella, General Manager of Altinco, and Félix Lorente, general director of Cerestia, Chahoua offered a key reflection:
“Where climate and regulation tighten, agricultural biostimulants open new doors toward production that is more sustainable, profitable, and aligned with new regulations.”
And it didn’t stay in the theoretical. Altinco presented real results from a field trial showing that it is possible to reduce the use of nitrogen fertilizers without losing yield, thanks to the use of biostimulants such as Altinco Rootip Soil®.
What is agricultural biostimulation and why is it key?
Agricultural biostimulation encompasses those solutions that activate the plant’s natural processes to improve its growth, stress tolerance, and nutrient absorption, without acting as fertilizers or pesticides.
According to European Regulation 2019/1009, a biostimulant product must demonstrate its efficacy in at least one of these functions:
- Improve nutrient use efficiency.
- Increase tolerance to abiotic stress.
- Enhance quality traits (flowering, fruit set, growth).
- Improve nutrient availability in the soil.
All this without leaving residues and respecting the regulatory demands that will shape the immediate future of the European agricultural sector — which underscores the importance of biostimulants as key allies to ensure efficient, sustainable production aligned with regulations.
Agricultural biostimulation in the face of climate change and restrictions
During her talk, Naîma Chahoua presented alarming data: 60% of European soils are degraded and 39% of groundwater is contaminated by nitrates. Precipitation has fallen by 20% in a decade in Spain, and extreme events are intensifying.
In this context, agricultural biostimulation is not an option but a necessity. It brings resilience to crops, improves input-use efficiency, and allows maintaining profitability even under adverse conditions.
Real case: Altinco demonstrates results with Altinco Rootip Soil®
Trial in real conditions: less nitrogen, same yield
One of the most urgent challenges facing European agriculture is nitrate pollution. Community regulation already limits applications in so-called vulnerable zones, forcing farmers to reduce nitrogen fertilization rates.
To address this challenge, Altinco presented a successful case in dryland cereals in the region of La Segarra (Lleida), with a strategy of progressive reduction of nitrogen fertilizer, complemented by the application of the biostimulant Altinco Rootip Soil®.
Results over three seasons:
- Reduction from 10% to 27% in nitrogen fertilization.
- Increase in root length by up to 28%.
- Increase in root biomass by up to 20%.
- Positive trend maintained even in seasons marked by extreme drought.
- Improvement in net margin per hectare.
Scientific validation and trust for the farmer
The trial was carried out over three years in dryland cereals and showed that it is possible to reduce the use of nitrogen fertilizers without compromising production or profitability. In this way, Altinco provides practical evidence supporting the viability of an agricultural model aligned with the objectives of the European Green Deal and the new European regulatory demands.
CE Altinco Biostimulants: biostimulant solutions with real effect
CE Altinco Biostimulants form a line of natural and residue-free formulations, registered under Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 as CE fertilizer products. Their efficacy has been validated in rigorous field trials and they comply with the demanding European criteria of safety, traceability, and sustainability.
Naîma Chahoua cited Dr. Patrick du Jardin, an international authority in the field of biostimulation, who summed it up with a key idea: “A biostimulant is defined by what it does, not by what it contains.”
It is not just about ingredients, but about real responses in the field. At Altinco, each formulation is conceived to respond to a concrete farmer’s need, with a clear focus on tangible results in the field and residue-free crops.
Why bet on agricultural biostimulation now?
Comply with European regulation
With the objective of reducing pesticides by 50% and fertilizers by 20% by 2030, the “From Farm to Fork” strategy drives a radical transformation. Biostimulants allow adapting without losing profitability.
Improve profitability and sustainability
A plant with a more efficient root system can better exploit resources and reduce dependence on external inputs. This translates into lower costs, more resilience, and greater economic margin for the farmer.
Generate trust among distributors and farmers
With studies and contrasted data, like those presented by Altinco at Fruit Attraction, biostimulation ceases to be a promise and becomes a reliable and necessary tool.
Agricultural biostimulants: from regulatory pressure to opportunity for sustainability and profitability
Agricultural biostimulation represents a tangible opportunity to advance toward residue-free, more profitable, and environmentally respectful agriculture. It is time to bet on solutions that anticipate the future.
At Altinco we have been working for 30 years to formulate unique solutions, with proven results and designed to respond to the challenges of the field. We evolve together with the farmer and their crops, with the confidence that together we can discover a better future.
