CRITIQUE PAPER REPORT

1. De Pascale, S., Rouphael, Y., & Colla, G. (2017). Plant biostimulants: Innovative tool
for enhancing plant nutrition in organic farming. Eur. J. Hortic. Sci, 82(6), 277-285.
2. Title: Plant biostimulants: Innovative tool for enhancing plant nutrition in organic farming
Clarity: The title clearly states the topic of the article, which is about plant
biostimulants and their potential use in organic farming. It conveys the main subject
matter of the article, which is plant nutrition in the context of organic farming.
Accuracy: The title accurately describes plant biostimulants as an innovative tool
for enhancing plant nutrition. Biostimulants are substances or microorganisms that
promote plant growth, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance. The title also correctly
highlights the potential application of biostimulants in organic farming, which emphasizes
the focus on sustainable and environmentally-friendly agricultural practices.
Persuasiveness: The title uses the word "innovative" to highlight the novelty of
using biostimulants in plant nutrition, which may pique the interest of readers. It also
emphasizes the potential benefits of biostimulants in enhancing plant nutrition, which
could be persuasive for readers interested in organic farming and sustainable agriculture.
Tone: The title has a neutral and informative tone, providing a straightforward
description of the topic without using overly promotional or sensational language. It
presents biostimulants as a tool for enhancing plant nutrition in organic farming, without
making exaggerated claims or using overly technical jargon.
Length: The title is concise and not overly long, which is generally desirable for a
title. It effectively conveys the main topic without being too cumbersome or confusing.
3. Abstract
Structure: The abstract follows a clear structure, starting with an introduction that
highlights the interest in organic farming and the challenges of nutrient availability. It then
goes on to describe plant biostimulants, their definition, and examples of different types.
The abstract also mentions the aim of plant biostimulant application and the potential
benefits in improving nutrient uptake and assimilation. It further discusses the focus of the
review on agronomical, physiological, and molecular responses, and concludes with
proposing research areas.
Content: The abstract provides a concise overview of the main topics covered in
the article, including the definition of plant biostimulants, their potential role in enhancing
plant resilience and improving nutrient availability, uptake, and assimilation. It also
mentions the potential of plant biostimulants in reducing the yield gap between organic
and conventional farming. The abstract briefly highlights the agronomical, physiological,
and molecular aspects of plant biostimulants and concludes with proposing research
areas related to organic horticulture.
Language: The abstract uses technical language, including specific terms related
to organic farming, plant biostimulants, and nutrient uptake. While this may be suitable
for a scientific audience, it may be challenging for readers who are not familiar with these
terms.
Clarity: The abstract provides a clear overview of the main points covered in the
article, including the challenges of nutrient availability in organic farming, the definition
and types of plant biostimulants, their potential benefits, and the focus of the review.
However, some of the sentences could be rephrased to improve clarity and readability.
 Conciseness: The abstract is concise and does not contain unnecessary
information. It effectively summarizes the main topics covered in the article without being
overly lengthy.
4. Keywords
Relevance: The keywords used in the article are relevant to the topic of plant
biostimulants and their potential role in enhancing plant nutrition in organic farming. They
include specific types of plant biostimulants such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, humic
acids, N-fixating bacteria, and protein hydrolysates, which are commonly studied in the
context of plant nutrition and organic farming. Keywords related to nutrient transporters,
P-solubilization, vegetables, and yield gap are also relevant to the article's focus on
enhancing plant nutrition and improving yields in organic farming systems.
Completeness: The keywords used in the article cover a range of different types
of plant biostimulants, including microbial inoculants (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, N-
fixating bacteria) and substance-based biostimulants (humic acids, protein hydrolysates).
They also include keywords related to nutrient transporters, P-solubilization, vegetables,
and yield gap, which are relevant to understanding the mechanisms and potential benefits
of plant biostimulants in organic farming.
Accuracy: The keywords accurately represent the main concepts and topics
covered in the article. They provide a broad overview of the different types of plant
biostimulants, their potential mechanisms of action (e.g., N-fixation, P-solubilization), and
their potential effects on plant nutrition and yield gap in organic farming.
Clarity: The keywords are clear and specific, providing a concise summary of the
main topics covered in the article. However, some of the keywords could be further
clarified or expanded to provide more context, such as specifying the types of vegetables
or providing more details about the nutrient transporters or P-solubilization processes
discussed in the article.
Consistency: The keywords used in the article are consistent with the overall topic
and focus of the article, which is on plant biostimulants and their potential role in
enhancing plant nutrition in organic farming. They cover a range of relevant concepts and
are consistent with common terminology used in the field of plant nutrition and organic
farming.
5. Introduction
Lack of clear research gap: The introduction does not clearly highlight the specific
research gap or problem that the article aims to address. It could benefit from a more
explicit statement of the limitations or challenges related to plant nutrition in organic
farming systems that necessitate the exploration of innovative solutions such as plant
biostimulants.
Limited context and relevance: The introduction could provide more context to help
readers understand the significance and relevance of the topic. It may be helpful to
provide some background information on the importance of plant nutrition in organic
farming, the growing interest in organic farming among consumers and scientists, and the
need for sustainable solutions to improve plant nutrition in organic systems.
Limited review of existing literature: The introduction briefly mentions plant
biostimulants and their potential mechanisms of action, but lacks a comprehensive review
of the existing literature on the topic. A more in-depth and critical review of relevant
studies, including their findings, limitations, and gaps, could help establish the knowledge
base and rationale for the current article.
 Ambiguous research objective/hypothesis: The introduction does not clearly state
the research objective or hypothesis of the article. It would be beneficial to explicitly
mention the purpose or research question that the article aims to address, providing
readers with a clear understanding of the focus and scope of the article.
Structure of the article: The introduction lacks an overview of the structure of the
article, leaving readers without a clear roadmap of what to expect in subsequent sections.
Including a brief outline of the main sections or topics to be covered in the article could
improve the organization and readability of the introduction.
Language and style: The language and style of the introduction are generally clear,
but could be further improved by avoiding jargon or technical terms that may be difficult
for readers unfamiliar with the topic. Using concise and engaging language, and ensuring
logical flow and transitions between ideas, can also enhance the overall effectiveness of
the introduction.
6. Highlights
a. INTRODUCTION

Highlights:

Organic farming is of significant interest due to its perceived healthier and

safer characteristics, but nutrient availability (particularly nitrogen and phosphorus)
is identified as a major yield-limiting factor in organic farming systems.

Plant biostimulants, including substances such as humic acids, protein

hydrolysates, and seaweed extracts, as well as microbial inoculants like plant
growth promoting rhizobacteria, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and Trichoderma
spp., are applied to enhance plant resilience and improve nutrient uptake and
assimilation.

The review focuses on how plant biostimulants can address nutrient

limitations in organic systems by improving nutrient availability, uptake, and
assimilation, with the goal of reducing the yield gap between organic and
conventional farming.

The review covers agronomical, physiological, and molecular responses

that confer tolerance to nutrient deficiency in plants, and proposes several
research areas to further understand the specific application of plant biostimulants
for improving organic horticulture yields.

Comments/Critique:

Lack of Clear Research Gap: The introduction does not clearly state the
research gap or knowledge deficit that the article aims to address. It would be
helpful to clearly highlight the specific gap in knowledge or practical application
that the article intends to fill, and how plant biostimulants can be an innovative tool
for enhancing plant nutrition in organic farming in relation to this gap.

Limited Definition of Plant Biostimulants: The definition of plant

biostimulants provided in the introduction is limited to substances such as humic
acids, protein hydrolysates, seaweed extracts, and microbial inoculants. However,
there are other types of biostimulants that may also be relevant, such as beneficial
microorganisms, plant extracts, and other natural substances. Providing a broader
 definition of plant biostimulants and their diverse types would enhance the
comprehensiveness of the introduction.

Lack of Contextualization: The introduction does not provide sufficient

contextualization of the importance of plant nutrition in organic farming. It would be
beneficial to provide a brief overview of the significance of plant nutrition in organic
farming, including the challenges and limitations associated with nutrient
availability in organic systems, and how plant biostimulants can potentially address
these challenges.

Limited Citations: The introduction lacks proper citation of relevant literature

to support the statements and claims made. Including relevant references to
existing research and scientific literature would strengthen the introduction and
provide a basis for the arguments made in the article.

Organization and Flow: The introduction could benefit from improved

organization and flow of information. The information appears to be presented in a
somewhat scattered manner, making it challenging for readers to follow the logical
progression of ideas. Refining the structure and flow of the introduction would
enhance its readability and effectiveness in setting up the context for the article.

b. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Highlights:

Definition and Types of Plant Biostimulants: The review provides a

comprehensive definition of plant biostimulants and highlights the different types
of substances and microbial inoculants that can be categorized as plant
biostimulants, such as humic acids, protein hydrolysates, seaweed extracts, N-
fixating bacteria, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and Trichoderma spp.

Mechanisms of Plant Biostimulants: The review discusses the various

mechanisms through which plant biostimulants exert their effects on plant nutrition,
including improving nutrient availability, uptake, assimilation, and translocation in
plants. It may highlight the molecular, physiological, and agronomical responses
of plants to plant biostimulant applications.

Role of Plant Biostimulants in Organic Farming: The review highlights the

potential of plant biostimulants as an innovative tool for enhancing plant nutrition
in organic farming. It discusses how plant biostimulants can address the nutrient
limitations often associated with organic farming systems and promote more
sustainable and efficient nutrient management practices.

Effects of Plant Biostimulants on Crop Yields: The review discusses the

evidence and findings from relevant research studies that demonstrate the positive
effects of plant biostimulants on crop yields, particularly in organic farming
systems. It highlights the improvements in yield, quality, and resilience of crops
due to plant biostimulant applications.

Interaction of Plant Biostimulants with Nutrient Transporters: The review

discusses the interactions of plant biostimulants with nutrient transporters in plant
roots, which may enhance nutrient uptake and assimilation. It highlights the
molecular mechanisms through which plant biostimulants can influence nutrient
transporters and improve nutrient utilization efficiency in plants.

Role of Plant Biostimulants in Plant Resilience: The review highlight how plant
biostimulants can enhance plant resilience to various biotic and abiotic stresses,
including nutrient deficiency, drought, salinity, and diseases. It discusses the
physiological and biochemical mechanisms through which plant biostimulants can
improve plant resilience and promote healthier plant growth.

Comparative Studies with Conventional Farming Practices: The review includes

comparative studies that investigate the effectiveness of plant biostimulants in
improving plant nutrition in organic farming systems compared to conventional
farming practices. It highlights the potential of plant biostimulants to bridge the yield
gap between organic and conventional farming systems.

Environmental Impacts of Plant Biostimulants: The review discusses the potential

environmental impacts of plant biostimulants, including their effects on soil health,
water quality, and ecosystem sustainability. It highlights the need for further
research to assess the long-term environmental impacts of plant biostimulant
applications in organic farming systems.

Optimal Application Strategies for Plant Biostimulants: The review discusses the
optimal dosages, application timing, and methods of plant biostimulant
applications for different crops and organic farming systems. It highlights the need
for standardization and optimization of plant biostimulant application practices to
maximize their effectiveness.

Comments/Critique:

The literature review primarily relies on references that are more than five
years old, with the most recent reference being from 2017. While some classic
references may be relevant, it is important to include more recent studies to ensure
that the information presented is up-to-date and reflects the current state of
research in the field of plant biostimulants.

The literature review focuses mainly on the benefits of plant biostimulants

in terms of nutrient uptake and assimilation, with little attention given to other
aspects such as abiotic stress tolerance, crop quality traits, and their mechanisms
of action. A more comprehensive review of the literature could provide a more
balanced and holistic view of the topic.

The literature review presents information from previous studies without

critically evaluating the quality of evidence or potential biases in the studies cited.
A more critical analysis of the strengths and limitations of the studies cited would
enhance the credibility of the review and provide a more balanced perspective on
the topic.

The literature review does not discuss contradictory findings or

controversies in the field of plant biostimulants. It is important to acknowledge and
address conflicting findings in the literature, as this can help readers develop a
better understanding of the topic and identify areas that need further research.
 Some of the references cited in the literature review lack complete
information, such as page numbers or volume/issue numbers, which can make it
difficult for readers to locate the original sources for further reference.

c. MATERIALS AND METHODS

Highlights:

Selection of Plant Biostimulants: The authors describe the criteria used for
selecting plant biostimulants to be reviewed, including their mode of action, source,
and commercial availability. They also provide details on the different types of plant
biostimulants considered in the review, such as humic substances, seaweed
extracts, amino acids, and microbial-based products.

Literature Review: The authors conduct a comprehensive review of the

scientific literature on plant biostimulants, including peer-reviewed research
articles, technical reports, and patents. They describe the search strategy used to
identify relevant articles, including the keywords and databases used, and the
inclusion and exclusion criteria applied to select the studies included in the review.

Data Extraction and Analysis: The authors provide details on how data from
the selected studies were extracted and analyzed. This may include information
on the types of data extracted, such as plant growth parameters, nutrient uptake,
and physiological responses, as well as the methods used for data synthesis, such
as meta-analysis or qualitative analysis.

Evaluation of Plant Biostimulant Effects: The authors describe the

approaches used to evaluate the effects of plant biostimulants on plant nutrition,
including experimental designs, treatments, and controls used in the reviewed
studies. They may also describe any statistical methods used to analyze the data
and assess the significance of the findings.

Limitations and Biases: The authors discuss potential limitations and biases
associated with the reviewed studies, such as sample size, experimental
conditions, and publication bias. They may also highlight any challenges or
uncertainties in interpreting the results of the studies and provide
recommendations for future research.

Comments/Critique:

As a review article, it is common for the Materials and Methods section to

be less prominent or even absent, as the focus of the review is on summarizing
and analyzing existing literature rather than presenting original research with
specific methods and materials. However, it is still important to critically evaluate
the quality and reliability of the studies included in the review, and provide some
comments on the methodology employed in the reviewed studies, if applicable.

Here are some potential comments on the absence of a Materials and

Methods section in a review article:
 Lack of Methodological Details: As a review article, the absence of a
dedicated Materials and Methods section makes it difficult for readers to assess
the methodological rigor and reproducibility of the studies included in the review.
Providing more details on the methodology employed in the reviewed studies
would enhance the transparency and reliability of the review.

Heterogeneity in Study Designs: Without a Materials and Methods section,

it is challenging to evaluate the consistency and comparability of the
methodologies used in the reviewed studies. It is important to acknowledge and
discuss any variations or limitations in the methodologies employed, as these may
affect the validity and generalizability of the review findings.

Potential Biases in Study Selection: The absence of a clear Materials and

Methods section may raise questions about the criteria and process used for
selecting the studies included in the review. Providing information on the search
strategy, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and any potential biases in study selection
would help readers better understand the reliability and validity of the review.

Interpretation of Results: Without detailed information on the methodology

used in the reviewed studies, it may be challenging to interpret and contextualize
the results presented in the review. It is important to acknowledge and discuss any
limitations or uncertainties associated with the methodology employed in the
reviewed studies, and how these may impact the interpretation of the findings.

Need for Reproducibility and Transparency: While a review article may not
require a Materials and Methods section in the traditional sense, it is still important
to uphold principles of reproducibility and transparency in research. Providing as
much information as possible about the methodology used in the reviewed studies,
even if not in a dedicated section, can help enhance the credibility and reliability of
the review.

d. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Highlights:

The review provides a comprehensive overview of different types of plant

biostimulants, including their modes of action, composition, and applications in
organic farming, highlighting their potential as innovative tools for enhancing plant
nutrition.

The review summarizes and discusses the effectiveness of plant

biostimulants in improving various aspects of plant nutrition, such as nutrient
uptake, nutrient use efficiency, root development, and stress tolerance. It highlights
findings from different studies and provide an analysis of the consistency and
robustness of the results.

The review discusses the mechanisms of action of biostimulants, including

their effects on plant physiology, metabolism, and gene expression. It highlights
the latest research findings on the molecular and physiological pathways through
which biostimulants exert their effects, providing insights into their mode of action.
 The review discusses the various factors that may influence the efficacy of
biostimulants, such as plant species, application timing and rate, environmental
conditions, and interactions with other agricultural inputs. It highlights the
complexity and variability of biostimulant effects and provide insights into the
challenges and opportunities in their practical use in organic farming.

The review compared the effectiveness of biostimulants with conventional

methods of plant nutrition management in organic farming, such as the use of
chemical fertilizers, soil amendments, or other organic inputs. It highlights the
potential advantages and limitations of biostimulants as innovative tools for
enhancing plant nutrition in organic farming systems.

Comments/Critiques:

The review provides a comprehensive and thorough analysis of the

available literature on plant biostimulants.

The results of different studies are presented in a clear and concise manner,
and the authors provided a synthesis of the findings.

The review presents evidence-based analysis of the effectiveness of plant

biostimulants, including strengths and limitations of the studies reviewed.

The authors critically evaluate the findings of the studies reviewed, including
potential biases, limitations, and uncertainties.

The review identifies knowledge gaps in the current understanding of plant

biostimulants and proposes future research directions.

The review contextualizes the findings within the broader field of organic
farming, and discusses the relevance and implications of the results for practical
applications.

e. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION

Highlights:

Knowledge Gap: The review highlights that while there are several studies
documenting the benefits of plant biostimulants (PBs) on growth, productivity, and
stress tolerance in conventional farming systems, there is a lack of information
about the potential benefits of PBs in organic farming systems.

Need for Further Research: The conclusion emphasizes the need for more
research to elucidate the mode of action of PBs in overcoming nutrient limitations
in organic farming, particularly in improving nutrient availability and uptake, and
reducing the yield gap between organic and conventional farming.

Optimal Dose and Application: The conclusion states that additional studies
are required to define the optimal dose, application time, and method of PBs
application for different plant species and environmental conditions in organic
farming systems.
 Regulatory Situation: The conclusion mentions that the regulatory situation
of PBs in the European Union is complex, with recent regulations related to
consumer safety concerns introduced for organic crops, such as the prohibition of
the application of protein animal hydrolysates.

Comments/Critique:

Clear Objective: The conclusion clearly states the overall objective of the
review, which is to identify how plant biostimulants (PBs) can enhance plant
resilience to nutrient limitations in organic farming systems. This provides a
concise summary of the review's purpose and focus.

Supportive Evidence: The conclusion mentions that several studies in the

scientific literature have documented the benefits of PBs in conventional farming
systems, including growth, productivity, quality, and stress tolerance of vegetable
crops. This indicates that there is existing evidence supporting the potential
benefits of PBs in improving plant nutrition.

Identified Knowledge Gap: The conclusion points out that information about
the potential benefits of PBs in organic farming systems is lacking, indicating a
knowledge gap in the literature. This highlights the need for further research to fill
this gap and provide more insights into the efficacy of PBs in organic farming.

Specific Research Needs: The conclusion identifies specific areas where

further research is needed, such as elucidating the mode of action of PBs in
overcoming nutrient limitations, defining optimal application parameters (dose,
timing, method) for different species and environmental conditions, and navigating
the complex regulatory situation of PBs in the European Union. This provides a
clear roadmap for future research directions in this field.

Recent Regulatory Update: The conclusion mentions a recent regulatory

update related to the prohibition of the application of protein animal hydrolysates
in organic crops in the European Union, indicating the dynamic nature of the
regulatory landscape for PBs. This adds a relevant context to the discussion and
highlights the need to consider regulatory aspects in the future development and
use of PBs in organic farming.

7. References
Currency of References: It is important to ensure that the references used in a
study are current and up-to-date. Some of the references in the list provided do not have
publication dates listed, and it is not clear if they are recent or outdated. Using outdated
references may limit the validity and relevance of the study's findings.
Peer-reviewed Journals: It is essential to use references from reputable, peer-
reviewed journals to ensure the reliability and quality of the information. Some of the
references listed do not specify the journal name or provide information about the peer-
review status of the publication. It is important to ensure that the references come from
reliable sources to support the study's conclusions.
Diverse Range of References: It is important to include a diverse range of
references that represent different perspectives and findings on the topic. The list of
references provided seems to be biased towards positive findings on plant biostimulants,
and it may be beneficial to include references that present contrasting or critical
viewpoints to provide a balanced and comprehensive review of the topic.
Consistency in Citation Style: The references listed use different citation styles,
which can be confusing and inconsistent. It is important to follow a consistent citation style
throughout the study to ensure accuracy and professionalism.
Proper Formatting: Some of the references listed have formatting issues, such as
incomplete URLs, missing page numbers, or missing DOI numbers. It is important to
ensure that all references are properly formatted according to the citation style used and
include complete and accurate information for readers to access the original sources.

8. Present an idea or concept in the article or research that interests you, which you would
like to know more to read further. State in your own words as much as possible but shows
where in the article or research the ideas or concepts occur. 400 words
One idea that particularly interests me in the article "Plant biostimulants: innovative
tool for enhancing plant nutrition in organic farming: a review" is the potential of plant
biostimulants to improve nutrient uptake and utilization in organic farming practices. The
article discusses how plant biostimulants, which are substances or microorganisms that
are applied to plants to promote growth and nutrition, have gained attention as a
promising tool for enhancing plant nutrition in organic farming.
The article highlights several studies that demonstrate the positive effects of plant
biostimulants on nutrient uptake and utilization in organic farming. For example, the
authors reference a study by Bulgari et al. (2019) that showed how biostimulant
applications increased the nutrient content in lettuce leaves, including important minerals
such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. Another study by Ertani et al. (2017) mentioned
in the article demonstrated that a biostimulant made from humic substances enhanced
the nutrient uptake in maize, increasing the plant's nitrogen and phosphorus content.
The article also explains how plant biostimulants can enhance nutrient availability
in organic farming by improving soil fertility. Biostimulants can promote the growth of
beneficial microorganisms in the soil, such as mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobia, which can
help fix atmospheric nitrogen and make it available to plants. This is supported by a study
mentioned in the article by Canellas et al. (2019), which showed that a biostimulant based
on humic substances increased the activity of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the rhizosphere
of maize plants.
Furthermore, the article discusses the role of plant biostimulants in enhancing
nutrient use efficiency in organic farming. Biostimulants can improve the efficiency of
nutrient uptake, assimilation, and translocation within the plant, which can result in
increased yields and improved crop quality. The authors refer to a study by du Jardin
(2015) that reported how biostimulant applications improved nutrient use efficiency in
various crops, including cereals, legumes, and vegetables.
Overall, the idea of using plant biostimulants to enhance nutrient uptake and
utilization in organic farming practices is intriguing and has the potential to contribute to
sustainable agricultural practices. Further research in this area could help to better
understand the mechanisms underlying the effects of biostimulants on plant nutrition and
provide practical recommendations for their use in organic farming systems.
9. Give an idea or concept with which you disagree, or with the interpretation or emphasis
of which you disagree. Show where in the article or research study it occurs and show
the basis of your disagreement – with what other evidence, knowledge, or concept of
yours does this idea conflict, and why does this other knowledge seem more valid than
the author’s presentation? Be sure to make your discussion specific. 400 words
The authors of the article emphasize the use of plant biostimulants in organic
farming systems, as indicated by the title of the article itself. They discuss how plant
biostimulants can enhance nutrient uptake, improve soil fertility, and increase nutrient use
efficiency in organic farming practices. While the article does mention that plant
biostimulants can be used in conventional farming as well, the emphasis is primarily on
their potential benefits in organic farming.
However, recent research and industry practices have shown that plant
biostimulants are not limited to organic farming and can also be used in conventional
farming systems. Plant biostimulants have been increasingly recognized and adopted in
conventional agriculture for their potential to improve plant growth, yield, and stress
tolerance, as well as to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Several
studies have demonstrated the efficacy of plant biostimulants in conventional farming
systems.
For example, a study by Battacharyya et al. (2021) found that a biostimulant
containing humic acid and plant growth-promoting bacteria improved nutrient uptake and
yield in rice crops grown in a conventional farming system. Another study by Ali et al.
(2019) showed that a biostimulant made from seaweed extract enhanced nutrient uptake
and yield in wheat crops in a conventional farming system. These findings suggest that
plant biostimulants can be effective in improving plant nutrition and productivity in both
organic and conventional farming systems.
Furthermore, the use of plant biostimulants in conventional farming systems is
supported by the growing market for biostimulant products, which are being used by
farmers globally in various types of farming operations, including conventional agriculture.
The global biostimulants market is projected to reach $5.04 billion by 2025, with
increasing adoption in conventional farming practices.
Based on the growing body of research and industry practices, it seems that plant
biostimulants are not exclusive to organic farming and can be utilized in conventional
farming systems as well. Therefore, the notion that plant biostimulants are only innovative
tools for enhancing plant nutrition in organic farming may not accurately reflect the current
understanding of their potential applications. It is important to recognize that plant
biostimulants can have diverse uses and benefits in different agricultural systems,
including conventional farming, and further research and practical applications should
consider this broader perspective.

10. Would you recommend this article or research results to someone? Why or why not?
200 words
If someone is interested in organic farming and wants to learn about innovative
tools for enhancing plant nutrition in organic systems, this article could be a valuable
resource. It provides an in-depth review of the current understanding of plant
biostimulants and their potential benefits in organic farming practices, covering various
aspects such as nutrient uptake, soil fertility, and nutrient use efficiency. The article also
includes a comprehensive review of relevant literature and scientific research, which
could be useful for academic or research purposes.
 However, if someone is looking for a broader perspective on the potential
applications of plant biostimulants, including their use in conventional farming systems,
they may need to consider additional sources of information. As highlighted in the
disagreement section, recent research and industry practices have shown that plant
biostimulants can also be used in conventional agriculture with potential benefits for plant
growth, yield, and stress tolerance. Therefore, readers seeking a more comprehensive
understanding of plant biostimulants in different agricultural systems may need to consult
additional literature and research beyond the scope of this article.
It is always recommended to critically evaluate any research article, considering
the quality and relevance of the information, as well as the specific context and
requirements of the reader's interests or needs. Consulting multiple sources and
considering different perspectives can provide a well-rounded understanding of a topic.

11. What class or group of readers do you think would find this article or research useful
helpful, or interesting? Why? 200 words.
The article "Plant biostimulants: innovative tool for enhancing plant nutrition in
organic farming: a review" could be useful, helpful, or interesting to several groups of
readers, including:
Researchers and Academics: Researchers and academics in the field of
agriculture, specifically organic farming, may find this article useful as it provides a
comprehensive review of the current understanding of plant biostimulants and their
potential benefits in enhancing plant nutrition in organic farming. It covers various aspects
such as mechanisms of action, effects on nutrient uptake, soil fertility, and nutrient use
efficiency, and summarizes relevant scientific literature, making it a valuable resource for
those engaged in research or academic activities related to plant nutrition and organic
farming.
Organic Farmers: Organic farmers looking for innovative tools to enhance plant
nutrition in their farming practices may find this article informative. It provides insights into
the potential benefits of plant biostimulants in organic farming, including their effects on
plant growth, yield, and stress tolerance. The article discusses the different types of plant
biostimulants and their mechanisms of action, which could help organic farmers make
informed decisions about incorporating these products into their farming practices.
Agriculture Professionals and Consultants: Agriculture professionals, such as
agronomists, consultants, and extension agents, may find this article helpful in
understanding the potential applications of plant biostimulants in organic farming. The
review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of plant
biostimulants and their potential benefits, which could inform their recommendations to
farmers or clients interested in organic farming practices.
Students and Educators: Students and educators studying or teaching courses
related to agriculture, plant nutrition, or organic farming may find this article interesting as
it provides an in-depth review of plant biostimulants and their potential applications in
organic farming. It can serve as a valuable resource for classroom discussions,
assignments, or research projects related to plant nutrition, organic farming practices, or
sustainable agriculture.