| 51 RURAL SERVICES » EMNZ The big benefits of natural biostimulant Before and after shots of the spinach crop. Kim Newth Natural biological farming tools are gaining traction across New Zealand as growers look for ways to lift productivity while supporting soil and plant health. Christchurch-based company EMNZ is among those developing solutions based on Effective Microorganisms (EM), with its latest product, PlantStim, delivering promising results across cropping and pasture systems. Plant-Stim is an EM-based biostimulant designed to enhance plant performance during key growth stages and periods of stress. Multiple field trials are now highlighting its value as a practical tool for farmers and agronomists. Company founder Mike Daly and his son, business development manager Paul Daly, have recently submitted a paper to the International Journal of Agronomy reporting on results from replicated field trials conducted across New Zealand. The trials evaluated EM-based biostimulant programmes across cereals, maize, pasture, fodder beet and peas. As well as increases in yield, the trials showed improvements in crop quality and biomass production, with statistically significant responses recorded in wheat, maize, pasture, fodder beet and peas. In Canterbury, wheat crops treated with an EM-based biostimulant programme produced yield increases of up to 21%. Similar responses were observed in maize crops in Hawke’s Bay, even where nitrogen inputs had been reduced. The results highlight the role EM-based biostimulant programmes can play as a complementary tool within integrated crop and pasture management systems. “We’re seeing growing use of Plant-Stim both to boost production and to support crops and pasture through challenging conditions,” Paul says. “It’s also being used increasingly to help crops recover following physical stress events such as hail or strong winds.” One example comes from a North Canterbury spinach crop that was badly affected by severe spring winds last season. Plant-Stim was applied to relieve plant stress and support recovery during a critical development phase. Within three weeks, growth had stabilised, and after six weeks the crop had fully recovered. “Plant-Stim works by stimulating plant metabolism, improving mineral uptake and supporting biological processes within the plant,” Paul explains. “When crops experience wind or hail damage, they’re under significant stress and recovery can be slow. Applying Plant-Stim helps accelerate recovery and improves the chances of achieving a viable, harvestable crop.” Released in 2024, Plant-Stim was developed to fill a gap in EMNZ’s product range. While the company had established products focussed on soil health, there was demand for a direct, plantfocussed tool that could be easily integrated into agronomic programmes. “That’s why we developed Plant-Stim using natural compounds that trigger a growth response in plants. It’s a flexible tool that agronomists can add to existing programmes to lift yield, support Avoca - where better soil means better results. 0800 433 5720 | e: sales@avocagroup.co.nz | www.avocagroup.co.nz - Specialists in customised fertiliser blends - Correct your soil pH - Maximise return on your fertiliser spend Wouldn’t it be convenient if one company handled all your lime and fertiliser needs? STRATEGIC PARTNERS WITH plant health and improve resilience.” Plant-Stim is widely used from late spring through summer, as well as in late summer and autumn for winter feed crops. These are critical growth windows where additional biological support can help crops maximise performance and maintain plant health.
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