As the world marks World Water Day on March 22, agricultural experts are shifting the conversation beyond water conservation to a broader focus on efficiency and optimisation in farming systems.
With growing climate variability and increasing pressure on water resources, stakeholders say the challenge is no longer limited to access, but how effectively water is utilised in agricultural production.
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Speaking on the issue, Venessa Moodley, Biostimulants Lead at Omnia Nutriology, said biostimulants are emerging as a practical solution to enhance both water and nutrient use efficiency in crops.
“Biostimulants support the plant in managing stress and using available resources more efficiently. They don’t replace water or fertiliser, but help plants extract more value from both,” she said.
According to her, under drought conditions, plants naturally activate defence mechanisms, including the production of proline, an amino acid that protects plant cells during water stress. Research on products such as BacstimTM 100, ChitostarTM, and the RhizovatorTM range shows their ability to stimulate this process, improving plant resilience under limited water conditions.
Experts also point to compounds such as betaines, commonly found in seaweed extracts, which help plants maintain cellular function during osmotic stress, while alginates improve soil water retention around roots.
Beyond water management, analysts stress that water and nutrient efficiency are closely linked. Biostimulants contribute by enhancing root system development and increasing root hair growth, thereby improving the plant’s capacity to absorb water and nutrients.
In addition, beneficial microbes associated with these products help to mineralise and mobilise nutrients in the soil, allowing crops to make better use of existing resources.
Moodley further emphasised the importance of integrating biostimulants with precision farming techniques. She noted that tools such as variable rate application enable farmers to apply fertilisers more accurately based on specific soil needs, improving overall efficiency and reducing waste.
“We take a holistic view of soil health and nutrient use efficiency. Precision farming gives us a better understanding of limiting factors and ensures inputs are applied correctly, not just in quantity but in method,” she said.
Industry stakeholders agree that the future of agriculture lies in integrated systems where water, nutrients, soil biology, and technology work together to enhance productivity and sustainability.
They maintain that improving resource-use efficiency is no longer optional, but essential for building resilient agricultural systems capable of meeting rising food demand amid environmental constraints.
