A study by Embrapa Environment (SP), in collaboration with the Biological Institute of São Paulo and Paulista State University (Unesp), has found that probiotics commonly used in poultry farming may also benefit agriculture. Tests with commercially available probiotic products showed promising results for lettuce, with noticeable improvements in both root and shoot development.
The probiotics used in the study were based on bacteria from the Bacillus and Lactobacillus genera — microorganisms already known for promoting plant growth. In poultry, they help maintain gut health and suppress harmful pathogens. Researchers are now exploring how these same bacteria might support soil health and plant development, offering a new application in crop production, according to a press release.
In the experiments, two commercial formulations — Colostrum BIO 21 Powder and Colostrum BS Powder, both produced by Biocamp — stood out for their particularly positive effects. “Both promoted a more vigorous growth of lettuce, with a greater mass of leaves and more robust roots,” says Rafaela Vargas of Unesp, who led the study as part of her master’s research.
The tests involved two application methods: one applied the probiotics directly to the substrate at sowing, while the other used weekly soil drenches — a technique that delivers the probiotics directly to the root zone through localized irrigation. According to the researchers, both methods proved effective.
“It is promising to see that products already available in the market, with consolidated use in poultry farming, can be adapted to promote plant growth. This can accelerate their adoption in agriculture,” says Embrapa researcher Wagner Bettiol, research advisor.
Healthy Soil, Strong Plant
According to Bettiol, the soil is a living environment, full of microorganisms that interact with each other and with plants. “These microbial interactions are fundamental for plant development. By introducing beneficial bacteria, such as Bacillus and Lactobacillus, we stimulate natural processes that favor growth,” he explains.
The bacteria used in the study support plant growth through several mechanisms, including the production of biostimulant compounds, competition with pathogens for space and nutrients, and the activation of plants’ natural defense responses. This multifunctional role positions probiotics as promising tools for more sustainable agricultural practices.
Researcher Rafaela Vargas explains that her interest in studying probiotics stemmed from their well-established use in promoting animal health. “If they work so well in the balance of the intestinal microbiota of chickens, why couldn’t they help balance the soil microbiota?” she asks.
Quantitative Results and Practical Implications
Throughout the experiments, researchers measured key indicators of plant development — including shoot height, fresh and dry biomass, and root condition. In the groups treated with probiotics, all these parameters consistently showed improved performance.
The scientists observed that the microorganisms remained active in the soil and had a clear positive impact on plant vigor. The drench application method, in particular, proved effective by enabling direct absorption through the roots — an advantage for potential use in commercial farming.
However, Flavia Patrício, a researcher at the Biological Institute of São Paulo, notes that further studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of these probiotics in other crops.
The team also highlights that factors such as soil type, interactions with native microorganisms, and timing of application can all influence probiotic performance. Tailoring formulations or combining probiotics with other beneficial microbes are among the strategies under investigation. These aspects are currently being explored in collaboration between the probiotic manufacturer and an agricultural company.
Toward More Sustainable Agriculture
The use of probiotics aligns with a broader shift toward agricultural systems that rely less on chemical inputs like synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. “The idea is to integrate these bioinputs into a more sustainable technological package, which strengthens the soil and makes the crop more resilient,” argues Bettiol.
Researchers are already exploring ways to enhance the effectiveness of probiotic treatments, including adjustments to formulations and combinations with other beneficial microorganisms. The focus is on understanding optimal application conditions and how these products interact with different soils and crops across various regions of the country.
A Strategic Opportunity for Brazil
With its leading role in global food production and tropical climate that supports microbial activity, Brazil is well positioned to lead the advancement and adoption of bioinput-based technologies.
The use of probiotics and other biological products is expected to grow, driven by the demand for more sustainable farming practices and increasing consumer preference for healthier, low-impact food production.
“We have the chance to take advantage of products that already exist, with proven safety, and adapt them to our agricultural reality. This can reduce the time and cost of adopting these technologies,” concludes Bettiol.
A Growing Market
In recent years, demand for bioinputs in the country has steadily increased. The search for alternatives to heavy reliance on imported fertilizers, combined with rising environmental awareness and the pursuit of more balanced production systems, has driven research and investment in this sector.
Beneficial microorganisms like those examined in the study represent a promising aspect of this trend. Beyond promoting plant growth, they can help control pests and diseases biologically, enhance soil health, and improve nutrient use efficiency.
