Hydroponics Daily

← Hydroponics Daily29 Dec 2025 · 8 min

Don't Get Ripped Off: How to Choose Microbial Biostimulants

Don't Get Ripped Off: How to Choose Microbial Biostimulants29 Dec 20258 min

Dr. Russell Sharp explains how to choose and use microbial biostimulants for hydroponics, focusing on production/expiry dates, manufacturer credibility, and the trade-offs between liquid and powder formulations.

He recommends trusted suppliers (Legume Technology, Omex/Biomex, Symbiom, Koppert's Trianum P), suggests starting with Bacillus blends and Trichoderma, and advises using seaweed extracts, humic acids and mild fertilizers to feed, not kill, microbes.

https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Ben Lugtenberg — Leiden University

Jos M. Raaijmakers — Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)

Corné M. J. Pieterse — Utrecht University

Paola Bonfante — University of Turin

Ian R. Sanders — University of Lausanne

Toby Kiers — Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Uta Paszkowski — University of Cambridge

Marcel G. A. van der Heijden — Agroscope

Jan Jansa — Agroscope