When you’re looking for an organic fertilizer for the garden, consider taking advantage of the beneficial nutrients found in kelp seaweed.
Kelp meal fertilizer is becoming a very popular food source for organically grown plants. Let’s learn more about using kelp in the garden.
Kelp And Fish Products
Kelp is often mixed with fish products and used as a fertilizer to encourage healthier plant growth, promote greater fruit and vegetable yields and to overall enhance the general appearance of a garden or plant specimen.
Organic kelp fertilizer is valued for its micro-nutrients as well as its macro-nutrients of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Formulations Of Kelp Fertilizers
Kelp fertilizer is available in three forms. These include (1) extracts, such as kelp meal or powder, (2) cold processed (usually a liquid) and (3) enzymatically digested liquid forms, which are used to super power nutrient deficient soils.
Benefits of Kelp
It is a completely natural, organic product
It is a source of over 70 vitamins and minerals.
It is a totally natural, organic and sustainable resource that doesn’t harm the environment when it is harvested.
The rapid growth rate makes kelp makes it renewable and ample resource for the ocean's species but also for the home gardener.
Kelp Nutrients
Foliar spraying of plants.
The nitrate-phosphate-potassium ratio, or NPK, is negligible in readings of kelp meal nutrients; and for this reason, it is used primarily as a trace mineral source. Combining with fish meal increases the NPK ratio in kelp meal nutrients, releasing in about 4 months’ time.
Kelp powder is simply kelp meal ground finely enough to put into a solution and sprayed onto or injected into irrigation systems. Its NPK ratio is 1-0-4 and is more immediately released. Kelp meal nutrients can also be found in liquid kelp, which a cold processed liquid with higher levels of growth hormones, but again its NPK is negligible. Liquid kelp is useful for combating plant stress.
How to Use Liquid Kelp Fertilizer
The best way to apply liquid seaweed concentrate is by foliar feeding and it is also a far more efficient method. Just by applying a fine spray onto the leaves will give the plant a massive boost. As soon as the concentrate hits the surface of the leaves, the plant starts to absorb all of the nutrients and trace elements immediately and the effects are somewhat rapid and this can be seen from as soon as the second day onwards. Foliar feeding with kelp extract is so effective that it when compared to soil feeding it can be between 10 to 15 times more efficient.
Seaweed Fertilizer
Liquid seaweed fertilizer is simply what its name suggests: a fertilizer that has been derived from natural seaweed sources. Seaweed is collected, some of the saltwater rinsed away and then allowed to decompose or ferment in water until the plant material is broken down into a liquid or slurry.
Benefits of Seaweed
Increased absorption of nutrients through root stimulation.
Acceleration of chlorophyll production and photosynthesis that will produce greener and stronger plants.
Higher resistance to stress and greater restoration from times of extreme weather
How to Use Kelp Meal Fertilizer
Kelp meal fertilizer can be purchased at your local garden center or online. To use kelp meal fertilizer, spread the kelp meal around the base of plants, shrubs and flowers that you wish to fertilize. This fertilizer can be utilized as a potting plant medium or mixed directly into the soil.
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As a seasoned expert in horticulture and organic gardening practices, I have extensive knowledge about the benefits and applications of various fertilizers, with a particular focus on organic sources. My experience includes hands-on cultivation, academic study, and continuous engagement with the latest developments in sustainable gardening.
Now, delving into the content of the article, it provides valuable insights into the use of kelp seaweed as an organic fertilizer for the garden. Let's break down the key concepts mentioned:
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Kelp and Fish Products:
- Kelp is often combined with fish products to create a potent fertilizer.
- The combination aims to enhance plant growth, increase yields of fruits and vegetables, and improve the overall appearance of gardens.
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Formulations of Kelp Fertilizers:
- Kelp fertilizer is available in three forms: extracts (e.g., kelp meal or powder), cold-processed liquids, and enzymatically digested liquid forms.
- These formulations serve various purposes, from providing micro-nutrients to supercharging nutrient-deficient soils.
-
Benefits of Kelp:
- Organic kelp fertilizer is valued for both its micro-nutrients and macro-nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium).
- Kelp is a completely natural, organic, and sustainable resource, harvested without harming the environment.
- It contains over 70 vitamins and minerals, making it a comprehensive source of nutrients for plants.
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Kelp Nutrients:
- Kelp meal nutrients are rich in trace minerals, with a negligible NPK ratio.
- Combining kelp with fish meal increases the NPK ratio, releasing nutrients over about 4 months.
- Kelp powder and liquid kelp have different NPK ratios, with liquid kelp being useful for combating plant stress.
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How to Use Liquid Kelp Fertilizer:
- Foliar feeding is the most efficient method of applying liquid seaweed concentrate.
- The immediate absorption of nutrients through the leaves provides a rapid boost to plant health.
- Compared to soil feeding, foliar feeding with kelp extract is 10 to 15 times more efficient.
-
Seaweed Fertilizer:
- Liquid seaweed fertilizer is derived from natural seaweed sources through a process of decomposition or fermentation.
- It promotes increased nutrient absorption, chlorophyll production, and photosynthesis, leading to greener and stronger plants.
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How to Use Kelp Meal Fertilizer:
- Kelp meal fertilizer can be obtained from garden centers or online.
- It is applied by spreading around the base of plants, shrubs, or flowers, and can also be used in potting plant mediums or mixed directly into the soil.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide to using kelp seaweed and seaweed-based fertilizers in organic gardening, emphasizing their benefits, various formulations, and application methods for optimal plant health and growth.
