Sunflowers are much more than just a symbol of summer. As robust and versatile crops, they play an important role in agriculture. Especially in times of climate change and the increasing demand for organic cultivation methods, it is crucial to find innovative and environmentally friendly solutions for plant protection and crop care. This is exactly where our product HS®-300BIO BASIC comes into play. In a recent series of tests, we were able to analyse the effectiveness of HS®-300BIO BASIC in sunflower cultivation. The results are not only of interest to farmers and landscapers, but also to anyone interested in sustainable agriculture and organic crop protection.

Sunflowers as a crop for edible oil production

Sunflowers have a special place in agriculture. They are adaptable, require relatively little care and are an important source of oil and protein. At the same time, they have a supportive effect on soil structure, as they reduce soil compaction and reach deeper layers of nutrients. HS®-300BIO BASIC from Humintech has been developed to further support plants in these areas.

Sunflowers as a test crop: Important role in agriculture

How HS®-300BIO BASIC was tested: 

This trial was conducted in 2023-2024 at the trial field of Humintech GmbH, Am Pösenberg 9-13, 41517 Grevenbroich, Germany. The variety tested is Hybrid RGT - BILLYKID, a medium-maturing variety with a high oil content of 46-47% and oleic acid of 88-89%. The recommended sowing density is 70-75000 plants per hectare. The plants were sown in loamy soils with a pH value of -7.0. The soil analyses are listed in Table 1 below. In addition, 500 kg/ha of Kalksalpeter-27 and 25 kg/ha of Ferty 1 and 10 L/ha of HS®-300BIO BASIC were applied to the soil before sowing, dissolved in 300 litres of water.

Results of the trials:

HS®-300BIO BASIC has a good effect on the growth and development of sunflowers. During the vegetation period, a uniform plant appearance, strong plant development and uniform flowering and ripening were observed compared to the control.HS®-300BIO BASIC increases the quantity and quality of yields.

The results show an increase in seed yield of more than 15 % in 2023 and more than 14 % in 2024. It is known that humic substances not only increase the seed yield of sunflowers, but also the oil content in the harvested seeds. Our results show that the control plants have an oil content of 41.7 % (2023) and 42.4 % (2024), while the plants treated with HS®-300BIO BASIC have an oil content of 43.5 % (2023) and 44.4 % (2024): An increase in oil yield of 20.3 % (2023) and 19.6 % (2024)!

To summarise, the application of 10 l/ha HS®-300BIO BASIC has a very positive effect on plant growth and development, which is reflected not only in higher yields, but also in the yield characteristics, in our case in the oil content: an investment that pays off!

(PDF) HS®- 300BIO BASIC - trial results for sunflower production

Conclusion: Real progress for sustainable sunflower cultivation

For agriculture, this means a real alternative to chemical pesticides and fertilisers. With HS®-300BIO BASIC, we are making a contribution to promoting ecological cultivation methods and conserving our natural resources. If you are also interested in sustainable agriculture, HS®-300BIO BASIC could be the perfect product for your cultivation.