Due to their potential to improve plant growth, yield, and general health while minimizing environmental impact, biostimulants have drawn a lot of attention in the plant industry. Internationally recognized standards for biostimulant products are becoming more and more necessary as consumer demand for sustainable farming methods increases. By fostering international trade and encouraging innovation in the biostimulant industry, these standards guarantee consistency, quality, and safety.
The importance of international standards for biostimulants in the plant industry and their contribution to the advancement of sustainable agriculture are discussed in this article.
Measurement of dry matter in plant biostimulants
SIST-TS CEN/TS 17704:2023
The plant industry and agricultural sector gain a lot from international biostimulant standards.
First of all, these standards define and classify biostimulants clearly, allowing stakeholders to distinguish them from other agricultural inputs like fertilizers or pesticides.
This transparency, ease of product development, and accurate labeling are all benefits of this clarity, which raises consumer trust.
SIST-TS CEN/TS 17704:2023, for example, is one of the standards that aids in achieving this level of quality.
The process for calculating the dry matter fraction of plant biostimulants is described in this document, and it must be followed in order for the results of the analysis to be calculated on a dry matter basis.
This document also applies to fertilizer mixtures in which plant biostimulants make up a large portion of the mixture.
Unless otherwise specified, the Technical Specification for the blend's primary component applies.
Along the entire supply chain for biostimulants, standardization encourages quality assurance and safety precautions.
International standards help identify and reducethe presence of harmful substances, contaminants, or impurities in biostimulant products by establishing stringent testing protocols. This safeguards not only the wellbeing of the plant but also the environment and people.
Part 1 of the method for identifying complexing agents in organo-mineral fertilizers uses gravimetry and UV-Vis spectrophotometry
SIST-TS CEN/TS 17784-1:2023
International standards provide a framework for R&D and commercialization, fostering innovation in the biostimulant sector.
Standards like SIST-TS CEN/TS 17784-1:2023 encourage manufacturers to invest in scientific studies to validate product claims by establishing criteria for efficacy and performance claims.
This encourages an evidence-based strategy and guarantees that biostimulant products provide farmers and growers with the advantages promised.
This document outlines the two methods needed to identify lignosulfonate in organo-mineral fertilizers using UV-Vis spectrophotometry (method A) and gravimetry (method B).
NOTICE Lignosulfonate is a natural polymer created as a by-product of the sulfite method used in the paper industry to produce paper from wood pulp.
It is used as a complexing agent.
Its chemical structure is ill-defined and variable because it is a natural polymer. It is a complex mixture of small- to medium-sized polymeric compounds with sulfonate groups attached to the molecules and a range of complexing abilities.
International standards improve information exchange and sharing among nations.
As a result, innovation is sparked and the global transition to sustainable agriculture is accelerated. This also encourages cooperation, research, and the sharing of best practices.
A global biostimulant industry can grow as a result of harmonization, which allows stakeholders to capitalize on the knowledge and experience of various geographic areas.
Determination of a quantity for soil enhancers and growing media
SIST EN 12580:2023
Standards should take into account recent scientific developments, market demands, and changing environmental concerns to ensure their efficacy and relevance.
Their applicability and effectiveness are kept up to date by routineupdates and revisions based on scientific research and input from business professionals. Industry associations and other stakeholders ought to be actively involved in the standardization process, offering suggestions and bringing their knowledge to bear on the development of thorough and comprehensive standards.
Standards like SIST EN 12580:2023 should grab your attention if we're discussing the agricultural industry.
The methods for calculating the quantity of soil improvers and growing media in bulk and in packages are laid out in this European Standard. This is a reference method that is built with the right level of precision so that it can be used to verify any quantity declaration made.
The solid form of the material must be reconstituted if necessary in order for this standard to apply.
EN 15761 should be consulted in place of this standard for blocks sold in their dimensioned form. This method cannot be used with materials that contain more than 10% (V/V) of particles larger than 60 mm; for such materials,see EN 15238.
The requirements of this standard and the national legal requirements for the declaration of the relevant products may differ.
Any other method may be used where there is no legal requirement to do so, such as when controlling the quantity of packaged goods, provided that it can be shown that it provides the same quantity with the same accuracy as the standard method.
Material that has gotten too wet and can't be easily broken down into a flowable material won't be good for determining quantity and might not produce a good result. But it is impossible to put a number on what is "excessive" due to the variety and bulk density of these materials.
In order to validate the claims made for these products, this standard is meant to be used by manufacturers, purchasers, and enforcement agencies. It is not intended to be used exclusively for manufacturing control purposes.
Global sustainable agriculture promotion depends critically on international standards for biostimulants used in the plant industry. These standards guarantee consistency, quality, and safety, fostering consumer confidence and providing biostimulant producers with market access.
International standards encourage cooperation and facilitate international trade by harmonizing regulations, promotingthe biostimulant industry's innovation.
Identification of the yeast and mold content in plant biostimulants
SIST-TS CEN/TS 17707:2023
Global trade, sustainable agriculture, and product quality all benefit from international standards for biostimulants in the plant industry.
In addition to encouraging innovation and cooperation, unified standards offer stakeholdersclarity, safety, and transparency. However, these standards must be flexible, taking into account new trends, incorporating sustainability criteria, and supporting efficacy testing procedures. SIST-TS CEN/TS 17707:2023 serves as one illustration.
The method described in this document uses the colony count technique after an aerobic incubation period of 25 °C +/- 2,5 °C to count the yeasts and molds present in plant biostimulant intended for use in agriculture.
This document permits the listing of yeasts and molds, both in liquid and solid form, in technical and formulated plant biostimulants.
To ensure that the concentration of yeast and mold does not exceed the corresponding limits outlined in the EU Fertilizers Regulation, the method is applicable to all microbial plant stimulants, with the exception of those made up of fungi or yeast [1].
In order to address these future directions, cooperation between regulatory bodies, industry associations, and research institutions should be promoted. Stakeholders can collaborate to create novel solutions, modify current standards, and establish new guidelines to meet the changing requirements of the biostimulant industry by encouraging open discussion and knowledge exchange. Useful identification tests can be used to identify the yeast and mold that were listed, if necessary.
The application of international standards results in continuous improvement
International standards must change to keep up with new trends and technological advancements because the field of biostimulants is constantly evolving. One such development is the incorporation of biostimulants with digital farming and precision farming methods. The use of sensors, data analytics, and artificial intelligence can optimize the application of biostimulants, maximizing their efficacy while minimizing waste. These developments ought to be incorporated into international standards, which would then offer recommendations for how biostimulants should be incorporated into modern farming techniques. The creation of sustainability standards for biostimulant products is a crucial area for future development. Assessment of the environmental impact of biostimulant production, use, and disposal is becoming more and more important as the world's attention turns to sustainability. A more sustainable and resilient agricultural system will result from the incorporation of sustainability indicators into international standards, which will promote the creation and adoption of eco-friendly biostimulant solutions.
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