In 2024, agriculture once again faced extraordinary challenges: unpredictable weather extremes ranging from droughts to devastating floods, wildly fluctuating temperatures and unpredictable developments in pest populations.
These conditions had and continue to have a significant impact on the harvest, with many crops suffering damage or a noticeable drop in yields.
As one of the industries most affected by climate change, agriculture now faces the task of preparing for a future in which such extreme conditions could be the new norm.
Challenges in modern agriculture
The agricultural year 2024 was characterised by extreme weather events and the now clearly noticeable effects of climate change. These capricious weather conditions require a rethink in cultivation planning and more robust cultivation strategies.
The requirements for the use of conventional pesticides are becoming increasingly strict.
Farmers are under increasing pressure to rethink conventional methods. Additional opportunities are also being sought in the organic sector. An opportunity for the integration of sustainable practices.
Only those who react today will still be able to act tomorrow.
Forward-looking developments
In view of the increasing limitations of conventional plant protection products and the growing resistance to them, natural alternatives offer a new solution.
The market for biostimulants, which naturally promote and strengthen plant growth, is expected to grow by around 12% annually in the coming years*.
Natural plant protection products and plant strengthening agents offer a promising solution for increasing resilience to biotic and abiotic stress. Our trials and practical experience already prove this today.
*(Source: databridgemarketresearch.com)
Customisation is the key
For future-proof agricultural businesses, it is crucial that they start looking at progressive, sustainable cultivation methods now. Expertise in the use of natural resources and knowledge of sustainable farming methods are becoming decisive factors in competition.
Farmers are well advised to act proactively and prepare themselves for the challenges of the future through further training and the use of innovative products. Of course, we are here to help.
Strategic adjustments are essential in order to remain productive and competitive in the long term, while at the same time meeting the expectations of an environmentally conscious society.
The product portfolio for sustainable agriculture from Lithos Crop Protect
Our constantly growing product portfolio helps us to always find the right answer to the questions of today and tomorrow:
Vitisol®
A natural plant aid made from clinoptilolite zeolite, specially developed for viticulture and fruit growing to reduce heat stress and sunburn. It improves plant growth by lowering leaf and fruit temperatures, resulting in higher yield and wine quality.
Areas of application:
Especially for reducing heat stress and sunburn
Advantages:
- Reduces temperatures on leaves and fruit
- Ensures healthy berries and reduces heat stress
- Optimises water management with slow evaporation
Biocult® ML 45
Biocult® ML 45 is a highly effective and sustainable biostimulant containing specially selected mycorrhizal species. Nutrient availability and efficiency is maximised through symbiotic cooperation between mycorrhizal fungi and the plant roots. Their extensive hyphal network expands the root system. This facilitates the uptake of hard-to-reach macro- and micronutrients.
Areas of application:
Biocult® ML45 is ideal for conventional and organic farming and strengthens new plantings and young crops by improving root formation and nutrient uptake.
Advantages:
- Expands the root system and increases nutrient absorption capacity
- increases the availability of poorly soluble nutrients (P, Ca, Mg, N, etc.)
- reduces the need for chemical fertilisers and creates cost efficiency
Primefit®
Primefit® provides plant-available nutrients that are essential for healthy, robust plants in key growth phases such as flowering and fruiting. The foundation for a high-yielding and high-quality harvest is laid in these phases.
Areas of application:
It is ideal for use in conventional and organic farming and supports a wide range of crops, from cereals and vegetables to viticulture and fruit growing, by specifically strengthening plants against abiotic stress factors.
Advantages:
- Pulse generator for activating natural defences
- supplies essential cell building materials such as calcium and silicon
- strengthens the cell structure of plants
Surround® WP Crop Protectant
A natural kaolin-based plant protection product that effectively repels pests in fruit cultivation by forming a physical barrier. It is particularly effective against the common pear leaf sucker and promotes plant health without the use of chemicals.
Areas of application:
Protection of fruit trees against pests such as the pear leaf sucker and the cherry vinegar fly (in 2024 with emergency authorisation in vines and elderberries)
Advantages:
- Forms a protective barrier against pests
- Promotes healthy plant growth without chemical pollutants
- No resistance formation, purely physical effect
Rappid-K
A liquid fertiliser for vineyards and orchards that supplies phosphorus and potassium to promote root and plant growth. The fertiliser improves fruit quality and supports plants during stressful growth phases.
Areas of application:
Energy boost in viticulture and fruit growing to promote root and plant growth and for regeneration after stress such as hail and frost as well as drought stress.
Advantages:
- Provides essential nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium
- Supports plants during and after periods of stress and improves fruit quality
- Promotes root growth and strengthens the resistance of plants
Aza
A natural insecticide made from azadirachtin, which is mainly used against Colorado potato beetles and other pests in potato and tomato cultivation. It is environmentally friendly and ideal for organic cultivation.
Areas of application:
Natural insect protection (not only) in potato and tomato cultivation. Effective against various insect pests such as the Colorado potato beetle, aphids, whitefly and thrips.
Advantages:
- Effective against a wide range of biting and sucking pests
- Inhibits feeding and growth against pests
- Protects beneficial insects
Protecting plants. Empowering nature.
With Lithos Crop Protect into the future of agriculture
At Lithos Crop Protect, we are committed to a mission that goes beyond traditional crop protection: we promote sustainable and nature-loving agriculture.
We promote agriculture that both protects the environment and ensures the long-term production of regional food.
Our aim is to play a leading role in the transition to more environmentally friendly cultivation methods through innovative research and the development of natural crop protection products.
With a deep understanding of the challenges facing farmers today, we offer not only products, but also expert advice and support.
Lithos Crop Protect is therefore the ideal partner for the cultivation of tomorrow by offering effective, sustainable solutions that ensure the protection of our plants and nature.
Working together for sustainable and productive agriculture.