Innovative approach to increase resource efficiency and protection through the use of biostimulants and innovative sensors in horticulture

Context

In a context of sustainable development and environmental protection, several European directives aim to protect water quality and resources by improving, in particular, soil quality and planning ahead for water shortages. In addition, there are economic reasons for livestock producers to reduce their consumption of water and nutrients.

Objective

Reducing water and fertilizer use in horticulture (plant cultivation) thanks to biostimulants* and innovative tools (sensors, analytical tools…).

* Biostimulants are fertilisers that stimulate the nutrition process of plants independently of the nutrients they contain, with the sole aim of improving plant characteristics (nutrient use, quality characteristics…). Definition of the European Commission (from the European Regulation 2019/1009 published in the OJ in June 2019 and which will be in force in July 2022).

About the <strong>project </strong>

The tools will enable farmers to monitor the reaction of plants in order to assess the proper use of water and nutrients. Their combination will make it possible to reduce water consumption by up to 20% and fertilizer use by up to 10% depending on the plants.
By including algal biostimulants, economic development opportunities for algal producers will be created. A protocol will be presented to policy-makers to help them implement the new European regulation on biostimulants.