PLANT BIO STIMULANTS NATURE, CATEGORIES, BENEFITS ON AGRICULTURE AND ITS APPLICATION STATUS IN THE ETHIOPIAN SCENARIO- A REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Teklay Asgedom Teferi (PhD)*, Saba Kifle Mulugeta (MSc), Biniam Abdissa Gemeda (MSc), Tsehay Getachew Mulatu

ABSTRACT

The increasing global pressure for sustainable agricultural intensification has catalyzed a shift towards eco-friendly inputs, with plant biostimulants emerging as a pivotal tool. These substances, distinct from fertilizers, enhance crop growth, stress resilience, and yield by stimulating natural processes. This review comprehensively explores the nature and primary categories of plant biostimulants, including seaweed extracts, humic and fulvic acids, protein hydrolysates, and beneficial microorganisms. It synthesizes the scientific evidence underpinning their multifaceted benefits, such as improved nutrient use efficiency, enhanced root development, and increased tolerance to abiotic stresses like drought and salinity. Focusing on the Ethiopian agricultural context, the paper critically assesses the current application status, identifying significant challenges. These include limited awareness, insufficient local research and production capacity, high import costs, and underdeveloped regulatory frameworks. Despite these hurdles, the immense potential of biostimulants to address soil degradation, climate variability, and food insecurity in Ethiopia is undeniable. The integration of plant biostimulants into the Ethiopian agricultural landscape represents more than just an adoption of a new technology; it signifies a paradigm shift towards ecological intensification. While the current application is nascent, constrained by knowledge gaps and infrastructural limitations, the alignment of biostimulants with the nation's goals for climate resilience and food sovereignty is profound. A concerted effort spearheaded by public-private partnerships is required to foster local research for developing tailored products from indigenous resources, establish clear regulatory pathways, and launch widespread farmer education programs. By strategically embracing biostimulants, Ethiopia can harness nature's own tools to rejuvenate its soils, buffer its crops against an increasingly erratic climate, and secure a productive and sustainable agricultural future for generations to come.

Keywords:

Biostimulants, Sustainable Agriculture, Abiotic Stress, Nutrient Use Efficiency, Ethiopian Agriculture.

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