Throughout history, the application of seaweed in agriculture has had a captivating and centuries-long heritage. Seaweeds encompass a wide variety of marine plants that thrive in saltwater habitats. Their role in agriculture has garnered significant interest due to their capacity to enhance crop productivity and foster sustainable farming practices. Let’s explore the evolutionary journey of seaweed within agriculture, tracing its historical uses, and modern advancements that have led to its widespread acceptance as an invaluable agricultural resource, as well as how we at Brandon Bioscience are harnessing this resource for a better future.
Ancient Origins and Traditional Practices
Seaweeds have been part of human culture for millennia. The practice of incorporating seaweed directly into the soil or using it as a mulch allowed early farmers to enhance crop yields and ensure better agricultural productivity.
Traditional farming communities understood the benefits of seaweed’s nutrient-rich composition, which includes essential minerals, trace elements, and vitamins. As a result, seaweed extracts and formulations were applied to a wide range of fruit and vegetable crops.
Industrial Revolution and Modern Research
With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, traditional agricultural practices began to give way to synthetic inputs and chemical fertilisers. Seaweed used in agriculture waned during this period, but it did not disappear entirely. The interest in seaweed experienced a resurgence in the mid-20th century when researchers started exploring the potential of this resource in farming.
Pioneering research conducted highlighted the unique properties of seaweeds and their extracts. Studies confirmed their positive impact on plant growth and stress tolerance. Moreover, the sustainable and eco-friendly nature of seaweed-based products drew significant attention as concerns over the environmental impacts of chemical inputs grew and continue to grow.
Development of Seaweed Extract Products
As scientific interest in seaweeds increased, efforts were made to develop commercially viable seaweed products suitable for agricultural applications, including Ascophyllum Nodosum, a brown seaweed found exclusively in the North Atlantic. Through different extraction processes, these products began entering the market. Extraction processes can vary. The choice between a hot or cold process can significantly influence the composition, quality, and performance of seaweed extracts. At Brandon Bioscience, we employ proprietary hot processes that unlock the full bioactivity potential of our seaweed extracts, ensuring maximum performance. These meticulously optimised and proven processes are designed to release the highest number of eliciting bioactives, resulting in exceptional product effectiveness.
Performance in Modern Agriculture
As the market continues to grow exponentially, the development of regulation is crucial. Seaweed extracts make up approximately 12% of the overall biostimulant market. Focus is now shifting from “what the product is” to “what the product does”. The combination of well-characterised composition and defined modes of action continue to drive consistent performance and improved perception for next-generation biostimulants.
– Improved Plant Growth and Development
Seaweed extracts have been shown to promote overall plant growth and development. They provide an array of essential nutrients and micronutrients, bolstering various physiological processes within the plant. At Brandon Bioscience, our seaweed biostimulants increase crop quality & marketable yield through faster emergence, stronger root growth, enhanced vigor, increased flowering, and increased yield.
– Enhanced Nutrient Uptake
Seaweed extracts boast an ability to provide plants with readily absorbable nutrients, including essential macro and micronutrients. Furthermore, the extracts contain organic compounds that act as chelators, making soil minerals more accessible to plants. As a result, nutrient uptake efficiency is significantly enhanced, fostering healthier crops.
– Increased Tolerance to Abiotic Stress
Ascophyllum nodosum flourishes in challenging marine environments and has therefore developed a natural biochemistry that allows it to thrive & grow. This plant has evolved a unique array of bioactive compounds that allow it to survive extreme climatic conditions ranging from immersion in temperate water to exposure to scorching sunshine or shoreline frost. This helps increase and optimise the defenses found within the plant making them more tolerant and reducing the damage that might be incurred on quality and yield. This helps make the plant stronger and increases its ability to grow normally even when conditions are sub-optimal.
Commercial Adoption and Future Prospects
The future prospects of seaweed extract used in agriculture remain promising. Ongoing research continues to unlock the full potential of seaweed-based products, leading to improved formulations and application techniques. As global agriculture faces challenges related to climate change, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation, seaweed extracts offer a viable solution for promoting sustainable and resilient farming practices.
The evolution of seaweed used in agriculture spans centuries, from ancient coastal practices to modern commercial applications. The recognition of seaweed’s nutrient-rich composition and unique bioactive compounds has propelled it into the forefront of sustainable agriculture. At Brandon Bioscience, we are a community of scientists, farmers, and innovators who share a common goal: to create a more sustainable future for agriculture. We understand the important role that seaweed extracts play in sustainable farming for a better future.
Brandon Bioscience – a pioneering leader in the field of seaweed biostimulants. With more than 25 years of experience in agricultural science and innovation, Brandon Bioscience harnesses the power of nature to revolutionise modern agriculture. Through cutting-edge research, our seaweed biostimulants, empower farmers to optimize plant growth and development while ensuring the health and resilience of their crops. By choosing Brandon Bioscience’s products, farmers become champions of sustainable farming, reaping the rewards of higher quality and yield. Discover the benefits by contacting us today.
