Monday, March 2, 2009
SEAWEED EXTRACT TO INCREASE PLANT GROWTH
Seaweed extracts contain a number of natural plant growth hormones (i.e. cytokinins, auxins) as well as other plant biostimulants (e.g. betaines, polyamines, oligosaccharides), which can improve plant resistances and tolerances to environmental, disease and insect stresses. For example, Polyamines influence the mechanism that controls pollination and the formation of fruits. Their presence in optimal quantities is the determining factor in the number of fruits and their development. Seaweed extracts are also rich in vitamins and micro nutrients and like humates hold ground moisture.
So does applying seaweed extract to plants increase growth, yield and resistance to disease?
Interestingly, there is an ongoing debate as to its effectiveness. For example, in a well presented article, Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, Washington State University Puyallup Research Station debunks its effectiveness and calls it a myth*.
On the other hand T. Butler and A.H. Hunt in a research paper presented at the ISHA 2006 International Symposium on Horticultural Plants in Urban and Peri-Urban Life examined golf course turf grass subject to plant stress, due to high traffic levels and short grass mowing. Their research showed that seaweed extract in this instance reduced the nutrient inputs, increased tissue NPK levels, grass growth, color and stress tolerance.
What is one to believe?
Based on my personal experience, certain sea weed extracts can greatly increase plant fruit yields when the plant is under stress. In a twenty five acre cucumber trial over three plantings, 3 days apart, the yields from those fields where in excess of 30% greater than the plantings prior and after; and were the highest of the season. From a scientific stand point, one could argue that this was not a correct trial because the control plots were not planted at the same time and in the same fields. Furthermore, environmental conditions prior and after these plantings could have affected the yields of the rest of the plantings. In fact the entire season was subject to heavy rain fall due to two back to back tropical depressions which hovered over Florida for more than three weeks. Plants were definitely stressed from a lack of sun light and excess water.
I performed a multiple regression analysis taking in consideration solar radiation, precipitation, wind, hours of sunlight, plant stands and fertilizer regimen. With a high coefficient and statistical confidence, the sea weed extract was clearly the greatest contributor to the yield increase. Is this definitive proof that it works? I would say it’s more anecdotal experience.
It has been my experience that when plants are healthy due to the right soil and environmental conditions most additives will not significantly improve growth or yield. However, when plants are stressed, (heat, cold, wind, too much or not enough water, nutrients, etc.), these growth enhancers do make a difference.
So does applying seaweed extract to plants increase growth, yield and resistance to disease?
Interestingly, there is an ongoing debate as to its effectiveness. For example, in a well presented article, Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, Washington State University Puyallup Research Station debunks its effectiveness and calls it a myth*.
On the other hand T. Butler and A.H. Hunt in a research paper presented at the ISHA 2006 International Symposium on Horticultural Plants in Urban and Peri-Urban Life examined golf course turf grass subject to plant stress, due to high traffic levels and short grass mowing. Their research showed that seaweed extract in this instance reduced the nutrient inputs, increased tissue NPK levels, grass growth, color and stress tolerance.
What is one to believe?
Based on my personal experience, certain sea weed extracts can greatly increase plant fruit yields when the plant is under stress. In a twenty five acre cucumber trial over three plantings, 3 days apart, the yields from those fields where in excess of 30% greater than the plantings prior and after; and were the highest of the season. From a scientific stand point, one could argue that this was not a correct trial because the control plots were not planted at the same time and in the same fields. Furthermore, environmental conditions prior and after these plantings could have affected the yields of the rest of the plantings. In fact the entire season was subject to heavy rain fall due to two back to back tropical depressions which hovered over Florida for more than three weeks. Plants were definitely stressed from a lack of sun light and excess water.
I performed a multiple regression analysis taking in consideration solar radiation, precipitation, wind, hours of sunlight, plant stands and fertilizer regimen. With a high coefficient and statistical confidence, the sea weed extract was clearly the greatest contributor to the yield increase. Is this definitive proof that it works? I would say it’s more anecdotal experience.
It has been my experience that when plants are healthy due to the right soil and environmental conditions most additives will not significantly improve growth or yield. However, when plants are stressed, (heat, cold, wind, too much or not enough water, nutrients, etc.), these growth enhancers do make a difference.
Labels: fertilizer, gardening, Lawn Care, organic, plant nutrition, seaweed extract, soil amendment
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