A Quantitative Evaluation of Microbial Interventions and Biostimulant Strategies in Agricultural Nitrogen Management
In the past decade, biostimulants have emerged as attractive solutions for increasing crop yields while reducing dependence on conventional fertilizers. Despite widespread scientific and commercial interest in biostimulants, the impact of these products on nitrogen dynamics at an ecosystem level is poorly understood. Additionally, many microbial biostimulants struggle to establish in the field, limiting their use. I evaluated the impact of multiple classes of biostimulants on microbial nitrogen cycling in maize fields under a range of management strategies. Using ecological modeling techniques, I present a potential strategy for increasing inoculant persistence
