Seaweed is a well known organic fertilizer with many benefits. It is a popular biostimulant, a term coined for organic material that enables all types of plant growth.
Since then, more farmers and agriculturists have reaped the rewards of mighty seaweed since it has so many benefits aside from helping optimal plant growth. It is also one of the cheapest, environmentally sound, and most sustainable organic agricultural products.
Read more to be introduced to one of the best fertilizer options for optimal plant growth.
The Benefits of Seaweed Fertilizer
Good plants and produce are a testament to these cheap, organic, abundant, and mineral-rich plants from the ocean. Farmers and gardeners rely on seaweed for a number of reasons.
Here are the main components that have made them valuable to our growers.
- Growth-enabling Minerals and Nutrients
Seaweed varieties, especially kelp, have the most micronutrients for plant growth. Its NPK or Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium ratios are combined with naturally occurring seaweed microorganisms to help process them into healthful plant food.
The high potassium content compared to other organic agricultural products gives seaweed its advantage. It gives crops resilience in varying growing conditions and plant cell resistance against diseases and damage. It can also maintain healthy leaves and good water retention, improving respiration and photosynthesis. - A High Level of Phytohormones
Seaweed also has considerable phytohormones or plant growth hormones, particularly five important ones: abscisic acid, auxins, cytokinins, ethylene, and gibberellins. The plants receive and synthesize them right away. It can then focus on growing instead of expending energy to produce these hormones. - High Amino Acid Levels
Amino acids are protein building blocks for maximized plant growth. Unlike regular organic agricultural products, their use is two-fold: plants use them for boosting metabolism and steady growth. The soil that supports and nourishes the plants creates nitrogen and proteins for microorganisms that help plant roots absorb the nutrients from the ground. - Plant Carbohydrates for Growth
Plants benefit from the complex polysaccharides in seaweed; alginic acid aids water retention in the soil by expanding its particles for better nutrient absorption. Laminarin, on the other hand, helps alert the plant against plant pathogens and keeps them healthy and disease-free. - Compatible with Bacteria and Fungi Soil Ecosystems
Seaweed benefits the good bacteria and fungi in soil ecosystems. Plants use these elements for better strength and to promote better root and plant growth. The bacteria produce growth hormones and metabolites that fight fungal illnesses, while good fungi strengthens the roots against plant diseases and natural salt levels in the water.
The Proper Use of Seaweed Fertilizer
Seaweed must be processed at room temperature only, unlike other organic agricultural products. Heat destroys amino acids and good bacteria and fungi. Please keep this in mind when storing as well, and it will last for a year. Keep it away from any sunlight in a tight and secured storage.
Proper application maximizes the seaweed solution. Use it with a spray bottle or a watering can for even distribution. Using this spray method is best in different stages of plant growth. You can use it at the initial germinating stage for direct soil planting or by soaking to sprout the seeds better and boost root growth.
They are also beneficial during the transplantation stage when putting grown seedlings in larger soil areas or containers. It prevents transplant shock and protects the roots. It is also helpful in the growing or vegetative state, after seeding and before budding or flowering, where they would need these nutrients the most for best-growing results.
Even in the flowering and fruiting stage, seaweed is also highly preferred since it doesn’t affect the flavor and quality of vegetables compared to other organic agricultural products out there.
Final Thoughts
Given seaweed’s track record and performance over the years, it would be a mistake to use something of inferior quality. Seaweed is better, cheaper, and more high-performance for your plants. It is clearly the better choice in so many aspects
If plants can speak, you’re going to hear their request loud and clear: Give me more of those organic agricultural seaweed products now! Check out our website for these products for happier, healthier crops.