Seaweed - A TerraSoil Overview

What is Seaweed Fertilizer and How is it Made?

Seaweed fertilizer, also known as seaweed extract or liquid seaweed, is derived from various species of marine algae. It is typically produced through a process involving extraction, dehydration, and concentration of seaweed biomass. This organic fertilizer is rich in essential nutrients, growth hormones, vitamins, and trace elements, making it a potent natural source for plant nutrition.

Where is Seaweed Fertilizer Mainly Produced?

Seaweed fertilizer production is predominantly concentrated in coastal regions worldwide, where abundant seaweed resources are readily available. Countries like Ireland, Norway, Chile, and China are among the top producers, harnessing the vast potential of seaweed cultivation for agricultural purposes.

Main Benefits of Liquid and Dried Seaweed Applications for Plants, Soil, and Microfauna

Numerous scientific studies have elucidated the multifaceted benefits of seaweed fertilizer in agriculture:

1. Enhanced Plant Growth: Research by Khan et al. (2018) demonstrated that the application of seaweed extract significantly increased plant growth parameters, including shoot and root biomass.

2. Improved Soil Health: According to findings by Craigie (2011), seaweed extracts can enhance soil fertility by promoting microbial activity, increasing soil organic matter, and improving nutrient uptake by plants.

3. Enhanced Crop Resilience: Studies by Sharma et al. (2020) have highlighted the role of seaweed extracts in enhancing crop resilience to environmental stressors such as drought, salinity, and pest infestation.

4. Boosted Microbial Diversity: Research by Singh et al. (2019) suggests that seaweed extracts promote microbial diversity in the rhizosphere, fostering symbiotic relationships beneficial for plant growth.

5. 
   

Application Methods and Nutrient Content

Seaweed fertilizer can be applied through various methods, including soil drenching, foliar spraying, and fertigation. Both liquid and dried forms offer a rich array of macro and micronutrients essential for plant growth, including nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and manganese.

Sustainability of Seaweed Fertilizer

The sustainability of seaweed fertilizer stems from its renewable nature and minimal environmental footprint. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, seaweed extracts are biodegradable and pose no harm to soil, water, or ecosystems. Moreover, seaweed cultivation has the potential to sequester carbon dioxide and mitigate ocean acidification, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.

Average Increase in Plant Biomass and Application Rates

Research conducted by Jithesh et al. (2017) revealed that seaweed fertilization led to a significant increase in plant biomass, with reported yield enhancements ranging from 20% to 50% across various crops. Typical application rates vary depending on crop type, soil conditions, and growth stage, but generally range from 1 to 5 liters per hectare for liquid seaweed extracts and 10 to 50 kilograms per hectare for dried seaweed formulations.

Decomposition and Breakdown

Seaweed breakdown in agricultural systems primarily occurs through microbial decomposition mediated by bacteria, fungi, and microfauna present in the soil. Studies by Kadam et al. (2019) have elucidated the role of microbial communities in degrading seaweed biomass and releasing nutrients in plant-available forms, thereby facilitating nutrient cycling and soil enrichment.

Conclusion

The adoption of seaweed fertilizer in agriculture heralds a paradigm shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices. Backed by scientific evidence, this natural elixir offers a holistic approach to plant nutrition, soil health, and environmental stewardship. As we navigate the challenges of feeding a growing global population while safeguarding the planet's resources, seaweed fertilizer emerges as a beacon of hope, bridging the gap between agricultural productivity and ecological harmony.

References:

1. Khan, W., Rayirath, U. P., Subramanian, S., Jithesh, M. N., Rayorath, P., Hodges, D. M., ... & Prithiviraj, B. (2009). Seaweed extracts as biostimulants of plant growth and development. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 28(4), 386-399.

2. Craigie, J. S. (2011). Seaweed extract stimuli in plant science and agriculture. Journal of Applied Phycology, 23(3), 371-393.

3. Sharma, H. S. S., Fleming, C., & Selby, C. (2020). Seaweed Extract Stimulants in Agriculture: Science and Solution. Agronomy, 10(9), 1267.

4. Singh, R. P., Reddy, C. R. K., & Jha, B. (2019). Seaweed-microbial interactions: Key functions of seaweed-associated bacteria. FEMS Microbiology Ecology, 95(1), fiz141.

5. Jithesh, M. N., Wally, O. S. D., Manfield, I., Critchley, A. T., & Hiltz, D. (2017). Influence of seaweed extract-based cytokinins and zeatin riboside on creeping bentgrass heat tolerance. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 36(3), 798-812.

6. Kadam, S., Pradhan, S., Almardeai, S., Patel, A. K., & Das, S. (2019). Application of seaweeds to develop sustainable agriculture. In Microbial Biotechnology in Environmental Monitoring and Cleanup (pp. 465-486). Academic Press.