Katharina.belt@uwa.edu.au

hui.cao@uwa.edu.au

samantha.harvie@research.uwa.edu.au

harvey.millar@uwa.edu.au

Enhancing plant production while reducing resource inputs is crucial for sustainable food security. My research is focused on refining low-input agricultural strategies, specifically tailored to Australian wheat varieties and soil conditions, particularly those found in Western Australia. These soils often present challenges due to their poor nutrient content, sandy texture, and arid nature.

Biostimulants are substances, either of microbial or non-microbial origin, that are applied to plants or soils to enhance nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, growth, and overall plant health. They differ from fertilizers in that they do not provide essential nutrients directly to plants but instead stimulate natural processes within the plant to improve its performance and resilience.

I investigate the effectiveness of both microbial and non-microbial biostimulants to optimize wheat plant production and development, aiming to decrease reliance on inorganic fertilizers. The implications of this research are profound for sustainable agriculture, providing insights into eco-friendly approaches that bolster plant performance, enhance stress responses, conserve resources, and mitigate the negative effects of synthetic fertilizers.

Understanding the mechanisms and positive impacts of biostimulants on plant development is crucial for transitioning towards more sustainable agricultural practices. Through wheat trials conducted in both controlled glasshouse and natural field conditions, we analyzed plant performance, development, yield, and grain protein outputs in plants treated with biostimulants or synthetic fertilizers. These trials serve as a foundation for further investigating the efficacy of biostimulant products and their efficient implementation in agriculture without compromising yield and profit.

In my presentation, I will share our current findings, comparing biostimulants to inorganic fertilizers, with the goal of optimizing farming practices, boosting plant production, and minimizing environmental impact to contribute to sustainable agriculture amidst global challenges such as population growth and climate change.