Seaweed
A Sustainable Approach
 
Seaweed, used within the context of common sense management, helps the entire cropping system work better.
 
 
    INCREASE CROP YIELDS AND PROFITS
    IMPROVE CROP QUALITY
    HASTEN GERMINATION AND MATURITY
    IMPROVE SOIL STRUCTURE AND INFILTRATION
 
 
Agriculture in the future  will emphasize the use of  biological systems, not strictly chemical approaches to achieve long-term soil productivity.
 
The promotion of life by conforming with natural laws will prevail. For instance, encouraging natural predators to control insect and nematode pests, or promoting more intensive biological nitrogen fixation. Stewardship of soil and plant resources must become the prime concern of the farmer, wherein Seaweed can play an integral role.
 
How It Works- Improved Symbiosis:
 
All plants that grow in soils develop an intimate relationship between the roots and the organisms that populate the root zone. Teeming billions of bacteria; fungi, algae,grow along the root surfaces- the rhizoshere. This is because roots feed the organisms with dead root epidermal cells as well as compounds exuded from the roots themselves. The plant may inject up to 25% of its energy, fixed in the leaves as carbohydrates, (sugars) amino acids, and other compounds, into the root zone to feed these organisms for a very good purpose.
 
The microorganisms which feed on these exuded carbon compounds along the root surface benefit the plant in many ways;  a beautiful symbiotic relationship. The plant feeds the bacteria, fungi, algae, and other microbial species in the rhizosphere, which in turn secrete enzymes, organic acids, antibiotics, growth regulators, hormones, and other substances which are absorbed by the roots and transported to the leaves. The acids help dissolve essential minerals.
 
Seaweed Stimulates Rhizosphere Symbiosis
 
Seaweed contains “metabolic triggers” that stimulate the plant to photosynthesize better, fixing more sunlight energy in the form of carbon compounds to increase the transfer of carbohydrates, proteins, and other growth substances into the root zone. These active agents may enter the plant through either the leaves or the roots. Root growth and exudation are both increased. This enhancement activates the teeming population of rhizosphere organisms to a higher level, triggering a greater synthesis of growth benefiting compounds and a faster release of minerals for plant uptake.
 
Very small amounts of these metabolic triggers in Seaweed are needed to greatly improve plant and rhizosphere microbe response. This is because of the enzyme cascade effect.
 
Soils Benefit Too
 
Soil structure may be markedly improved over time because of:
 
 ·  Increased root growth, and thus more root channels
 ·  Greater polysaccharide production by microbes to glue clay platelets together
 ·  Improved mycorirhizal activity, creating sac-like structures
 ·  Greater earthworm activity
 ·  Improvements in structure, promote the ready exchange of air and water
 ·  Compaction is reduced so roots can freely explore the soil for nutrients and water
 
Background Information On Seaweed
 
What is Seaweed?
 
Seaweed is an all natural liquid “biostimulant” for soil organisms and plants that contain certain biological activators which are by-products of a proprietary fermentation process. These active agents include specific vitamins, enzymes, and other powerful but gentle growth stimulators.
 
How Is Seaweed Used?
 
Seaweed is mixed with water at a dilution that is indicated by the sprayer output. For field applications, the objective is to apply usually 13 ounces (roughly 1/3 L) per acre, although more is applied for tree crops. Applications at planting and at early bloom are common. A seed, root or bulb application is very effective;  a  5% solution dip works well. For lawns, gardens, and house plants, a 1% solution applied to the leaves and soil every two to four weeks works very well.
 
Seaweed should always be incorporated into a total cropping program. Nitrogen fertilizer is usually reduced while yields are improved, saving money and time for the user. The product is not a “magic bullet”,  but a powerful companion to help the grower make the most effective use of applied nutrients.
 
How Does Seaweed Work?
 
The active agents in Seaweed enter roots through moist soil, or leaves through foliar application. Metabolism of cells and tissues throughout the plant is quickened, and as a result more C02 is fixed into carbohydrates and other compounds in the leaves. A good portion of these compounds are moved down the stem and out the roots into the soil (25% or more of total plant energy), where a vast array of microorganisms feed on them: bacteria, fungi, algae, cyanobacteria, actinomycetes, and others. In turn, these microbes generate vitamins, hormones, antibiotics, and other beneficial compounds besides releasingminerals and nitrogen for plant uptake. Seaweed’s active agents stimulate this process to occur at a faster rate.
 
Benefits of this accelerated growth effect include:
·  Better rooting
·  Faster germination
·  More vigorous root growth
·  Higher yields and profits
·  Reduced fertilizer nitrogen requirements
·  Improved soil structure and tilth