Seaweed for Agricultural Applications

Introduction

In the current context, the continuing pressure to reduce the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizer inputs is a major challenge for sustainable agriculture. Seaweeds are well known for their wide range of applications, from agriculture to industry. They play a vital role in sustainable agriculture, being used as biofertilizers and soil stabilizers to improve soil productivity and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. Seaweeds provide bulk and micronutrients, have liming properties, and increase phosphorus availability. Algal colloids improve soil structure, increase water retention and cation exchange capacity of the soil, and bind metals to improve biological activity and plant resistance to aggressive biological and abiotic agents. In addition, seaweeds are a useful biological resource, free from foreign seeds and pathogens. These properties improve soil quality and allow seaweed to be used in any type of crop, organic or otherwise.

Fig 1. General summary of the plant and soil benefits reported upon application of liquid seaweed extracts. (Arioli T, et al., 2015)

Customized Solutions

The beneficial effects of seaweed on agriculture have been empirically demonstrated by farmers in coastal areas since ancient times. Our scientists' extensive scientific research on seaweed has identified and quantified the advantages of using seaweed in soils and crops.

• Seaweed contains less cellulose and derives its mechanical strength from specific matrix polysaccharides.
• Rather than starch, seaweed stores energy in the form of polysaccharides, which are durable and act as chelating agents in the soil.
• Seaweed contains other important nutrients, such as macro and micronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, chlorine, iron, zinc, copper, molybdenum, manganese, and boron).
• Seaweed contains high levels of vitamins, humic acids, and phytohormones.

Lifeasible continues to develop the potential of macroalgae in agriculture and is committed to providing specialist solutions for the agricultural applications of seaweed. Our services include but are not limited to the following:

• Seaweed and seaweed extracts as growth stimulants.
• Seaweed and seaweed extracts as organic biofertilizers.
• Seaweed and seaweed extracts as biopesticides.
• Seaweed and seaweed extracts as soil quality improvers.

Benefits of Seaweed Extracts in Agriculture

• Improved root growth.
• Better nutrition and water intake.
• Improved plant growth.
• Better fruit set.
• Better fruit color.
• Better fruit quality and taste.
• Improved crop yield and quality.
• Healthy plant and fruit appearance: thickens, expands, and balances leaf growth, provides balanced crop nutrition, stimulates cell division, and improves flowering and fruit set.
• High resistance to pests and diseases: contains antitoxins that inhibit bacteria and viruses and repel insects. Helps plants resist environmental stresses.
• Promotes branch growth.
• Improves plant resistance to disease, pests, and abiotic stresses.
• Promotes bacterial activity in soil sources.

Lifeasible is constantly exploring the maximum potential of seaweed applications. We use seaweed and seaweed extracts for growth promotion, pest and disease prevention, and product quality improvement in agriculture. We comprehensively assess the importance of seaweed extracts in bioagriculture and horticulture with regard to the environmental aspects of production and use. We are your trusted partner in all aspects of seaweed research. If you are interested in our solutions, please do not hesitate to contact us.