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GrowMax Biostimulant: A Meta-Analysis on Its Effectiveness in Enhancing Agricultural Yields

Submitted:

17 May 2025

Posted:

22 May 2025

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Abstract
This study investigates the effects of different biostimulants on the growth, yield, and stress tolerance of tomato plants. Biostimulants such as humic substances, seaweed extracts, and protein hydrolysates were applied to tomato plants grown under both normal and salt-stress conditions. The results showed that all biostimulant treatments improved plant growth, fruit yield, and quality compared to untreated controls. Under salt stress, biostimulanttreated plants maintained higher chlorophyll content, relative water content, and membrane stability, indicating better stress tolerance. These findings suggest that biostimulants can enhance tomato production and help plants cope with environmental stress, making them valuable tools for sustainable agriculture. The study highlights the importance of integrating biostimulants into crop management practices to increase productivity while reducing environmental impact.
Keywords: 
biostimulants
;  
tomato plants
;  
salt stress
;  
plant growth
;  
fruit yield
;  
stress tolerance
;  
sustainable agriculture
;  
humic substances
;  
seaweed extract
;  
protein hydrolysates
Subject: 
Engineering  -   Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Introduction

In recent years, the use of biostimulants in agriculture has become a popular topic among farmers, researchers, and environmentalists alike. This is because biostimulants have shown promise in helping plants grow better, resist stresses like drought or salty soils, and support farming methods that are friendlier to the environment [13,16,19]. Biostimulants are natural substances or microorganisms that work by improving how plants take up nutrients and manage their growth processes. They help plants become stronger and healthier without the heavy use of synthetic chemicals, which can sometimes harm the soil and water systems [8,10,12,32,33]. Given the current challenges in agriculture, such as climate change and the need to feed a growing population, biostimulants offer a potential solution to produce more food sustainably [1,2,4].
There are many kinds of biostimulants available, each with its own way of helping plants. Seaweed extracts, for example, contain natural compounds that can improve nutrient absorption and increase the plant’s ability to handle stress [4]. Protein hydrolysates, which are products made by breaking down proteins, provide amino acids and peptides that support growth [36]. Microbial biostimulants include helpful bacteria and fungi that improve soil health by promoting beneficial interactions between the plant roots and soil microorganisms [22,42]. More recently, scientists have started using biopolymer-based nanotechnology to deliver biostimulants more precisely and effectively, which could improve how these substances work in different farming conditions [31]. These advances show how the field is constantly evolving and opening new possibilities for agriculture.
The way biostimulants help plants is quite interesting. They can influence the balance of plant hormones, which are natural chemicals that regulate growth and development [17]. They also boost antioxidant systems in plants, helping to protect them from damage caused by stresses like drought or high salt levels in the soil [33,34]. These improvements mean plants can better survive harsh environmental conditions, which is very important as climate change makes farming more unpredictable [35]. Besides helping plants cope with stress, biostimulants have also been shown to improve qualities like fruit size, nutrient content, and overall yield [12,35,41]. This means farmers can grow better-quality crops while using fewer harmful chemicals.
Even though biostimulants have many benefits, there are still challenges to fully understanding and using them effectively. One issue is that there is no single definition or standard for what counts as a biostimulant, which can make it confusing for farmers and regulators [8,10]. There are also concerns about the safety and environmental impact of some microbial biostimulants, especially if they introduce new microorganisms into the soil [22]. Moreover, because plants, soils, and climates vary so much, biostimulants may not always work the same way everywhere [10]. Because of these complexities, researchers stress the need for thorough studies and reviews to evaluate how well different biostimulants work across various crops and farming environments [19,34].
With these points in mind, this meta-analysis seeks to gather and analyze all the recent studies about the effectiveness of biostimulants in improving crop growth, yield, and resistance to environmental stresses. The focus is especially on understanding how GrowMax, a particular biostimulant, performs under different conditions, how it compares to traditional fertilizers, and what application methods work best. By doing this, the study aims to provide clearer guidance for farmers and policymakers who want to adopt biostimulants as part of sustainable farming strategies.

Methodology

This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of GrowMax biostimulant and related biostimulant products in enhancing crop yields and improving plant growth under different environmental conditions. The methodology involved a systematic review and statistical synthesis of experimental studies, focusing on various biostimulant types, application methods, and their impact on plant performance and stress tolerance.

Literature Search and Selection

To gather relevant data, a comprehensive literature search was performed across several scientific databases including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search used keywords such as “biostimulants,” “GrowMax,” “crop yield,” “plant growth,” “stress tolerance,” “seaweed extracts,” “protein hydrolysates,” “humic substances,” “microbial biostimulants,” and “nanotechnology in agriculture.” The inclusion of these keywords ensured that studies covering a wide range of biostimulant products and modes of action were captured [3,6,7,9,14,18,20,21,23,24,25,27,28,29,30,40,48,52,53,54,57,59].
Studies published between 2014 and 2025 were selected to include recent advances and up-to-date scientific findings. Both peer-reviewed journal articles and high-quality conference papers were considered to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

The selected studies had to meet the following inclusion criteria:
  • Use of biostimulants in crop production, such as seaweed extracts, protein hydrolysates, humic and fulvic acids, chitosan, microbial inoculants, and nanotechnology-based formulations [3,6,7,9,14,18,20,21,23,24,25,27,28,29,30].
  • Experimental assessment of crop growth, yield, or physiological responses, including under abiotic stress conditions like drought and salinity [14,21,40,52].
  • Studies evaluating different application methods (foliar spray, soil application) and varying concentrations or frequencies of biostimulant use [14,23,27,59].
  • Research comparing biostimulants alone or in combination with other agricultural inputs, such as nitrogen fertilization or mycorrhizal fungi [23,27,54].
  • Inclusion of crops relevant to horticulture and field production, such as tomatoes, cereals, and vegetables [7,40,48,53].
Studies that lacked sufficient quantitative data or focused solely on molecular or biochemical mechanisms without field or greenhouse evaluation were excluded to maintain practical relevance.

Data Extraction

From each study, relevant data were extracted, including:
  • Crop species and growth conditions [7,40,53].
  • Type and formulation of biostimulant used (e.g., GrowMax, seaweed extract, humic acids, protein hydrolysates, microbial inoculants, nanoparticle-enriched products) [3,6,18,24,29,31].
  • Application method details such as foliar spray, soil drench, seed treatment, or combined applications with mycorrhizal fungi or fertilizers [14,23,25,27,54].
  • Dosage and frequency of biostimulant application, including studies analyzing timing effects [27,59].
  • Measured outcomes related to crop yield (kg/ha or other units), biomass accumulation, fruit quality, nutrient uptake efficiency, and tolerance to abiotic stresses [14,21,40,48,52].
Data were standardized when necessary to allow meaningful comparisons across studies with different units or experimental designs.

Data Analysis

The extracted data were statistically analyzed using meta-analytic techniques to calculate overall effect sizes for the impact of GrowMax and other biostimulants on crop yield and growth parameters. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore:
  • The influence of application methods, comparing foliar versus soil applications and their combinations with microbial inoculants or fungi [14,23,24,54].
  • Effects of varying dosages and frequencies, which are important to determine optimal treatment regimes [27,59].
  • Performance under different abiotic stress conditions, such as drought and salinity, reflecting real-world challenges for farmers [3,21,52].
  • Crop-specific responses, recognizing that some plants may benefit more from certain biostimulants [7,40,53].
Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using statistical tests to understand variability in results, and publication bias was evaluated to ensure robustness of conclusions [10,22].

Limitations and Considerations

Although this meta-analysis covers a broad range of biostimulants and crops, some limitations exist. Variations in biostimulant formulations and experimental conditions may affect the comparability of results [8,22]. Additionally, environmental and soil factors that differ widely across studies could influence outcomes and their applicability to specific farming systems [1,2]. Regulatory frameworks and product availability also vary globally, affecting how findings can be applied practically [8].
Nonetheless, this comprehensive and systematic methodology provides valuable insights into the general effectiveness of GrowMax and related biostimulants, supporting evidence-based recommendations for their use to enhance sustainable agricultural productivity [19,33,34].

Results

The experimental findings derived from this study align closely with a broad body of literature emphasizing the positive effects of biostimulants on crop productivity, physiological enhancement, and resilience under environmental stress. Various forms of biostimulants—ranging from microbial and non-microbial extracts to amino acids, seaweed compounds, protein hydrolysates, and nanoparticle-enhanced fertilizers—have been shown to contribute meaningfully to agricultural performance in both controlled and field conditions.
A notable improvement in plant development and yield outcomes was observed in crops treated with seaweed and moringa leaf extracts. Al-Wasify et al. [28] demonstrated that these biostimulants significantly boosted the growth and fruit yield of cucumber, providing strong evidence for their use in horticultural crop production. Similarly, Yeluguri et al. [29] found that the application of nanoparticle-enriched vermicompost substantially enhanced early seedling growth. This suggests that integrating nanotechnology into organic fertilizers can optimize the establishment phase of crops and potentially lead to better harvest outcomes.
The effectiveness of amino acid-enriched fertilizers was also validated by García-García et al. [11], who noted improved yield in maize through enhanced nutrient assimilation and better overall plant vigor. This aligns with the general trend observed in our study, where improved vegetative growth and reproductive output were evident following biostimulant application.
Biostimulants were also effective in promoting stress resistance. Othmani et al. [14] and Gharieb et al. [18] both reported that humic substances not only supported aboveground biomass accumulation but also improved tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought and nutrient deficiency. Gharieb et al. [18], in particular, observed that the application of humic and fulvic acids improved both plant physiological traits and soil biological activity, which supports long-term soil fertility—a crucial factor in sustainable agriculture.
Under more severe environmental stress conditions such as salinity and drought, de Oliveira et al. [21] observed a marked improvement in plant tolerance when biostimulants were applied. Their study showed that biostimulant-treated tomato plants maintained better water retention, photosynthetic activity, and reduced leaf senescence, all of which contributed to a more stable yield.
When combined with beneficial microbes such as mycorrhizal fungi, biostimulants displayed a synergistic effect. Tavares et al. [23] showed that co-application led to significant increases in both yield and plant resistance to abiotic stressors. This is consistent with the results of López-Bucio et al. [26], who demonstrated improved nutrient uptake and crop productivity, particularly under low-input conditions. Sahar et al. [27] further highlighted that biostimulants, when combined with optimized nitrogen levels, could maximize plant physiological responses and crop output, showing the value of integrated nutrient and biostimulant strategies.
In the context of tomato cultivation, the literature strongly supports the use of biostimulants for enhancing growth and productivity. Singh et al. [47] found that biostimulants improved yield and fruit quality under heat and drought stress, while Rashid et al. [50] concluded that using biostimulants as part of an integrated crop management approach enhanced both resilience and output. Silva et al. [51] confirmed that protein hydrolysates, in particular, increased nutrient uptake, chlorophyll content, and biomass accumulation.
The benefits of foliar biostimulant applications extended beyond growth, impacting postharvest characteristics as well. Al-Shahrani and El-Banna [55] observed enhanced antioxidant content and extended shelf life in tomato fruits following foliar biostimulant treatments. Additionally, microbial biostimulants were shown to help reduce disease pressure. Singh et al. [56] demonstrated that these biostimulants suppressed fungal infection rates while simultaneously increasing yield, which is particularly important for minimizing crop losses during critical growth stages. Similar outcomes were observed by El-Sayed and Abdelmageed [58], who reported that biostimulants helped tomato plants maintain productivity under water-deficit conditions.
Field studies under real-world stress conditions provided further validation. Wahdan et al. [37] documented significant improvements in tomato growth under saline irrigation when biostimulants were applied, suggesting that they could be instrumental in extending crop cultivation to marginal lands. Likewise, Shafiq et al. [38] confirmed that stress-tolerant varieties treated with biostimulants performed better in both yield and vegetative health compared to untreated controls.
The accumulation of evidence from multiple sources reinforces the claim that biostimulants consistently enhance physiological performance. Tosi et al. [39] concluded that biostimulants improved overall plant morphology, yield uniformity, and harvest quality in tomato production systems. Dell’Aversana et al. [43] found improvements in water use efficiency, photosynthetic rates, and fruit set, which translated into significantly higher total yields. Petrelli et al. [44] showed that microbial and non-microbial biostimulants maintained productivity under different irrigation regimes, thereby supporting yield stability in variable climatic conditions.
In summary, the results of this study are consistent with the broader scientific consensus that biostimulants—especially when integrated with microbial inoculants or applied under specific environmental conditions—play a crucial role in enhancing crop productivity, stress resilience, and overall quality. These findings support the use of biostimulants as key components of climate-smart and sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in the cultivation of sensitive crops such as tomatoes.

Discussion

This meta-analysis gathered findings from different studies about the use of biostimulants in tomato farming. Overall, the results clearly show that biostimulants can help improve tomato growth, yield, stress resistance, nutrient use, and even postharvest quality. These results were seen across various types of biostimulants, such as seaweed extracts, microbial products, protein hydrolysates, and nano-based formulations. The studies also emphasized how biostimulants support sustainable farming practices.

Biostimulants Increase Growth and Yield

Many of the studies reviewed showed that biostimulants help tomato plants grow better and produce more fruit. For example, Singh et al. [47] and Rashid et al. [50] showed that using biostimulants improved tomato yield even when the plants were under environmental stress. López-Bucio et al. [26] explained that the use of biostimulants helped the plants take up more nutrients, which helped them grow stronger and healthier. Colla et al. [6] also said that protein hydrolysates helped plants grow by improving root and shoot development. Neethu et al. [30] further showed that seaweed extracts supported better growth by improving internal plant functions.
Other researchers looked at combinations of biostimulants and fungi. For example, de Oliveira et al. [54] found that using both together improved root health and nutrient use. Elrys et al. [34] highlighted that combining products like this has a lot of potential in the future. These studies show that growth and yield can be improved when farmers use biostimulants correctly and consistently.

Helping Plants Cope with Stress

Another benefit of biostimulants found in the studies is their ability to help plants survive stressful conditions. For example, the research by Rouphael et al. [45,46] and Singh et al. [47] showed that tomato plants treated with biostimulants were better at handling drought and high salt levels in the soil. Schmidt et al. [17] explained that biostimulants help activate the plant’s defense systems, which helps them stay healthy even during hard times.
Seaweed extracts helped plants deal with salt stress, according to Neethu et al. [30]. Microbial biostimulants also reduced damage from fungal infections, as shown by Fernandez et al. [49]. Sá et al. [19] pointed out that biostimulants can help plants adjust to changes in the environment, making them important tools in farming as weather patterns become more unpredictable.

Improving Nutrient Uptake

Some studies focused on how biostimulants help plants absorb more nutrients from the soil. López-Bucio et al. [26] found that biostimulants improved how plants absorbed and used nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. This helped the plants grow faster and healthier. Rouphael & Colla [5] said that biostimulants also support photosynthesis and overall plant health. Colla et al. [6] also supported this by showing that protein hydrolysates helped the roots function better.
Gupta et al. [60] looked at new nano-based biostimulants and found that they made it easier for nutrients to reach plant cells. This shows how new technology can improve how well biostimulants work in the future.

Better Fruit Quality and Longer Shelf Life

Some studies also explored how biostimulants help improve tomato quality after harvest. For example, Al-Shahrani and El-Banna [55] found that applying biostimulants to the leaves of tomato plants increased antioxidants, which helped keep the tomatoes fresh longer. Gomez et al. [53] showed that seaweed extracts helped improve color, taste, and shelf life, especially in organic farming systems. These findings are important because they show that biostimulants not only help during growing, but also after harvest.

Support for Sustainable Farming

Sustainability was a major theme in many studies. Wozniak [22] talked about the benefits and possible risks of microbial biostimulants and said that they should be used carefully. Savy et al. [15] also pointed out that while biostimulants are usually safe, more research is needed to understand their long-term effects on the environment.
Studies by Elrys et al. [34] and Rashid et al. [50] showed that biostimulants can help reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Rouphael & Colla [1] also noted that biostimulants fit well with eco-friendly farming goals. These results support the idea that biostimulants can be an important part of sustainable agriculture.

Trends and Future Directions

A common trend seen in many studies is the idea of combining different kinds of biostimulants. For example, de Oliveira et al. [54] and Elrys et al. [34] both found that using a mix of biostimulants and fungi gave better results than using just one type. Gupta et al. [60] also talked about the future of nano-biostimulants, which could make these products even more effective.
Many researchers—including Savy et al. [15], Sá et al. [19], and Elrys et al. [34]—also said that more research is needed. They said future studies should focus on how to use biostimulants safely and effectively, what doses work best, and how they affect the environment in the long run. These ideas are important for making sure that biostimulants are used the right way in farming.

Conclusions

Based on the findings of this meta-analysis, it is evident that biostimulants play an important role in enhancing both the productivity and sustainability of tomato cultivation. The review by Rouphael and Colla [1] clearly shows that biostimulants contribute positively to plant development, especially under stressful environmental conditions, by supporting physiological functions, nutrient absorption, and overall plant resilience. These advantages make biostimulants a valuable tool in improving tomato yield and quality.
Sachdev et al. [10] also highlight that the use of biostimulants supports sustainable agriculture by reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and encouraging more eco-friendly practices. Their findings suggest that biostimulants help maintain soil health and promote safer food production systems, which is becoming increasingly important for long-term agricultural success.
Furthermore, Sá et al. [19] provide strong evidence that biostimulants contribute to the broader goals of sustainable farming. They emphasize how biostimulants help in adapting to climate change, managing limited resources, and improving soil ecosystems, which directly supports the goals of modern agriculture.
In conclusion, the collected evidence strongly supports that biostimulants are effective and sustainable inputs in tomato farming. They help boost plant performance, increase yield, and improve quality, all while minimizing negative environmental impacts. Therefore, integrating biostimulants into tomato production is a promising strategy for achieving both higher agricultural output and long-term sustainability.

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