The global seaweed industry is growing each year as uses for the crop continue to be explored. As a biostimulant it has proved its worth and is used across the world in crop production. While seaweed production has traditionally been concentrated in Asia, Europe is looking to ramp up production to compete against the eastern giant, bringing with it benefits for farmers and the broader environment.
Biostimulants made from seaweed extracts are an attractive proposition in a world trying to reduce the use of synthetic chemicals and pesticides. This is especially the case among member states of the European Union, where the Green Deal hopes to shift at least 25 percent of agricultural production to organic methods by 2030. With mounting pressure on carbon footprints, procuring locally manufactured inputs is crucial. If these inputs by their very nature also sequester carbon, the argument for their use is strengthened.
The wonder of seaweed beyond the benefits to crop production, is that it requires neither fresh water nor fertilizer to grow. It grows faster than any crop on land, producing ample biomass from just sunlight and the ocean’s waters. Seaweed cultivation does not compete for agricultural land, and actually benefits the areas
Using biostimulants made from local seaweed present an option to reduce the use of synthetic fertilizer through increasing nutrient use efficiency.
Photo: Lindi Botha
where it grows by absorbing nutrients that are expelled at sea from agriculture and aquaculture. It also plays a role in carbon sequestration, adding value to the blue economy.
The global seaweed industry accounts for about six billion euros annually, with China being the largest producer accounting for 65 percent of the total global production. In Europe, Norway is the country with the highest number of seaweed aquaculture companies, and projects in Denmark and the Netherlands are ramping up production for the continent.
While numerous species of seaweed have been used for biostimulants, sugar kelp, Saccharina latissima, is particularly suited to cultivation in Europe and is the focus of most projects. According to Seaweed Solutions in Norway, sugar kelp grows naturally in Europe along the Atlantic coasts, as far south as Portugal and as far north as Novaya Zemlya, an archipelago in the Arctic Ocean near northern Russia.
Sugar kelp also lends itself well to partial harvesting, which means the long ropes of cultivated plants can be trimmed, versus being harvested in their entirety. This means there can be spring harvests of significant biomass, and then later summer harvests as well. The ability to generate multiple harvests from each round of seedling deployment makes sugar kelp an ideal seaweed crop for cultivation.
Value of sugar kelp Sugar kelp as a biostimulant presents much value in providing a stable and sustainable increase in crop yields across different environments and under different conditions. Sander van den Burg, a researcher at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, states that apart from the traditional approaches to increase food production under adverse conditions, like breeding programs and new agricultural practices, recent approaches using seaweed have been found to increase stress resistance of major food crops on land.
“Sugar kelp has great potential because only very low concentrations of seaweed extract are needed, and in relatively low volumes – up to a few litres per hectare per application – making it very cost effective for farmers,” notes van den Burg. “Seaweed extracts are able to increase abiotic stress resilience in many crops, and the application of seaweed biostimulants can enhance protein production in protein-rich crops.”
As a biostimulant, sugar kelp has been found to assist vigorous
growth in seedlings. In a study conducted by Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in the United States, researchers studied the value that sugar kelp has in providing micronutrients to crops, since it is not a significant source of macronutrients (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)).
The trials showed that while tomato transplants did not show an improvement in growth with sugar kelp application, tomato seedlings in plug trays treated with sugar kelp extract did show increased plant size. Petunia transplants showed an increase in plant size for the sugar kelp treatments compared to the untreated control, as well as no reduction in growth for plants treated with sugar kelp grown at half the fertilizer rate as the untreated control.
These findings are significant in a world of high fertilizer prices since it proved that for some plants, a sugar kelp amendment will allow for a reduced fertilizer rate to be applied.
Sugar kelp application rates of 0.5 percent and one percent were chosen based on rates recommended or used for other seaweed extracts. Researchers noted these results did not determine which of those two rates were most beneficial, though given the plant responses seen they appeared to be a good starting point, at least for petunia and tomato seedlings. Further research would be needed to better determine the most effective rates and application methods for different plants.
van den Burg adds that the underlying mechanisms of seaweed biostimulants in target crops is still
poorly understood, and further research is needed as to optimize chemical composition of the seaweed extracts.
The case for European production The interest in cultivating sugar kelp in European seas as a source of food, feed and feedstock for the biobased economy is growing. The National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua) in Denmark has undertaken a project to expand sugar kelp production in the country’s fjords by determining best practices for seed production, seeding, growing and harvesting the seaweed.
Mette Nielsen, a researcher at DTU, explained that nets seeded with spores of seaweed are placed in tanks at the centre for six to eight weeks, whereafter the seaweed has grown sufficiently to be placed in the fjords to grow out over eight months, after which they can be harvested. “The strings of seaweed are attached to rocks on the ocean floor and can grow to between three and 10 metres long, depending on water clarity and sunlight penetration,” says Nielsen. “The seaweed requires sunlight to grow, which limits how deep they can be placed in the water. Water temperature is also a factor and above 12 degrees C, growth is retarded.”
Mette Nielsen, a researcher at DTU, is leading a project to increase sugar kelp production in Denmark.
Once the DTU’s codes of best practice have been finalized, commercial seaweed farms will be set up to scale up production.
While this presents one of many projects on the continent to grow sugar kelp production, van den Burg points out the inevitable question for European seaweed producers is how they can compete in the global seaweed value chain.
“Multiple dividing lines can be drawn separating distinct elements of the global kelp value chain,” he says. “A first dividing line is drawn between Asia and the rest of world. Looking at volume and concentration of activities, Asia dominates the global value chain. European and United States’ alginate producers have a niche in the global market, producing food and pharma-grade alginate. The new European seaweed sector – those venturing into cultivation and various new applications in agricultural production – is small in size. Working on removing barriers in the European supply chains is now one of the tasks for the near future.”
These barriers include the high cost of production, increasing demand for seaweed-based products, concerns about food safety and environmental effects, and the competition, primarily with Asia.
European researchers are increasingly studying sugar kelp production best practices to ramp up production along the continent’s coasts.
van den Burg says that in order to advance the European seaweed sector further, innovation cannot focus on one or two issues.
“We see opportunities in a better knowledge of current production yields at the European level, with homogenized measurements in biomass production. In addition, the national licensing procedures should be simplified for greater transparency and efficiency,” he notes. “We also need greater promotion for the social acceptability of seaweed concessions, and more knowledge and training facilities and programs for the whole industry, from policy makers, local authorities, researchers to the production sectors.”
One aspect that greater cultivation of seaweed does have in its favour is the undisputed benefit to the environment. Scientific publications have not only investigated the positive impact of seaweed on water quality and ecosystem status, but also studied use of seaweed for bioremediation and carbon.
Annette Bruhn, a marine biologist and senior researcher at Aarhus University in Denmark, notes that one ton of farmed and dried seaweed binds at least one to two tons of CO2 using photosynthesis.
“The argument for the incorporation of seaweed into carbon emission accounting is an imperative,” she says. “This is echoed by companies and concerned governments that seek to create additional value to seaweed by showing and capitalizing the contribution of seaweed to public policy objectives. This includes food security, supporting local business, and societal, ecological and regional development.”
Seaweed is emerging as an immensely undervalued crop, while opportunities to expand production abounds. A strong case exists for increasing production in Europe, on the doorstep of farmers that are most likely to benefit from its inclusion in their crop production. ●
Fulvic and humic acid monikers are used interchangeably, but the truth is, humic acid is a subset of fulvic acid. Fulvic acid comes from lightly digested plant and microbial byproducts and is not just one carbon compound, it’s many varied compounds. Its composition is very similar all over the world, yet it differs slightly depending upon soils, plants, weather, microbes, etc. Fulvic acid, over time, gets degraded, digested and transformed into humic acid which has a denser and tighter carbon structure. These two organic compounds (fulvic and humic acid) contain soil nutrients, ostensibly making soils fertile while improving plant growth and crop yields.
According to the U.S.-based Humic Products Trade Association, the primary use of humates (composed either in-part or primarily of humic substances, humic acids and/or fulvic acids) is to increase plant quality and production, and to improve and replenish depleted soils.
“Field trials prove that applying humic products helps plants develop much stronger root systems and that length, density and root radius dramatically increase,” states the organization, adding that humic and fulvic acids work together to optimize growing conditions. For instance, humic acids increase the permeability of cell walls, making it easier for fulvic acids to carry nutrients into the plant. And while fulvic acids are the carrier for nutrients, humic acids make those nutrients more readily available in the soil. They also work in tandem to increase water holding capacity and stimulate root and shoot growth.
The application of humic substances is often tank mixed with fungicides or liquid nitrogen when applied to arable crops. Applying them with a mineral fertilizer can be beneficial as the acids prevent immobilization of nutrients and improve uptake by crops, concluded one report by SAC Consulting for the Soil Regenerative Agriculture Group, part of Farming for a Better Climate (FBBC), a network at the Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) in the UK.
“Research points to the biggest gains arising from an increase in the availability of phosphorus, and when the acids are mixed in with the fungicide sprays, most, if not all, the phosphorus is likely to have been applied already,” said Zach Reilly, author of the SAC Consulting report on the FBBC website.
Reilly said another train of thought is that the addition of humic and fulvic acid can reduce the impact a fungicide or nitrogen application can have on the soil biology. “This is thought to be achieved by providing a carbon source to provide energy to the microbiology to combat the effects of the mineral fertilizer or pesticide. Although this is a promising theory, there is very little research on its effectiveness.”
Scottish specific research on ryegrass found that the application of humic and inorganic fertilizer did not out-yield the plots with only inorganic fertilizer applied. This raises the question as to whether humic acid is worthwhile. If the soil is healthy with optimal organic
matter levels, do these naturally occurring compounds need to be applied?
“If soil is in an unhealthy state, the addition of bulky manures may be a more suitable soil addition, either by integrating livestock or as an application,” said Reilly. “Manures are naturally high in humic compounds and will also assist in increasing soil organic matter content."
There are some studies underway around the world that investigate humic and/or fulvic acids and their effect on cropping systems. Earlier this year, researchers at the University of Alberta in Alberta, Canada, reviewed humic acid relevance on crop growth, plant hormone production, nutrient uptake and assimilation, yield and protein synthesis. The study, ‘Understanding the Role of Humic Acids on Crop Performance and Soil Health’, was published in Frontiers in Agronomy.
The objectives of the review were to identify the effects of humic acid on crop agronomic performance and soil health parameters in both laboratory and field experiences; to identify the factors that affect the efficiency of humic acid; and to identify knowledge gaps in humic acid application on crop performance and soil health.
What the researchers found was that the effect of humic acid on soil properties and crops is influenced by the humic acid type, humic acid application rate, humic acid application mode, soil type, solubility, molecular size and functional group.
The researchers also reviewed various literature and identified some knowledge gaps in humic acid studies. For instance, humic acid and its application rate have not been tested in field experiments under different crops in rotation, nitrogen fertilizer forms, sites and climatic conditions. Furthermore, humic acid chemical and molecular structures, their water and alkaline soluble fractions have not been tested under field experiments to evaluate their effects on crop yield, quality and soil health. They conclude that the relationship between soil-plant nutrient availability and plant nutrient uptake following humic acid application should also be further studied.
Manures are naturally high in humic compounds and will also assist in increasing soil organic matter content.
“The global effort to reduce the amount of nitrogen fertilizers in food production systems requires the optimization of nitrogen fertilizer application rates in different crops and soil types, and under unpredictable climatic conditions,” noted the researchers in the review. “Humic substances are a promising tool to further optimize fertilizer application and nitrogen use efficiency in crops. But we have identified some knowledge gaps that warrant further research.” The paper goes on to say that more research is needed to optimize the combined effect of different humic acid application rates and mineral fertilizers on crop performance and soil quality parameters under defined field conditions.
Another study published earlier this year, ‘Integrative Soil Application of Humic Acid and Foliar Plant Growth Stimulants Improves Soil Properties and Wheat Yield and Quality in Nutrient-Poor Sandy Soil of a Semiarid Region’, by researchers from Al-Azhar University and Fayoum University in Egypt, noted that no research had yet assessed the collaborative effect of soil-applied humic acid with plant growth stimulants, such as exogenous foliar L-tryptophan (L-TRP) or zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) application on bread wheat. The study was published in the Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.
“We hypothesized that amending nutrient-poor sandy soil integrated with foliar application of ZnONPs or L-TRP would potentially improve soil hydro-physicochemical properties and wheat yield and quality,” stated the researchers.
The research found that the addition of humic acid improved the soil structure by allowing rapid macroaggregate formation, decreasing bulk density and pH, and increasing total soil porosity, electrical conductivity, dry mean weight-diameter, and soil water retention capacity.
“Improving the hydro-physicochemical properties of degraded nutrient-poor sandy soil positively reflected morphophysiological responses, grain yield and grain quality,” stated
the study authors. “Exogenous foliar application of zinc oxide nanoparticles or L-tryptophan, especially at higher concentrations compared to the control, had a positive effect on wheat morpho-physiological responses, which consequently boosted grain yield and quality.”
The researchers concluded by saying further studies are required to investigate the potential effects of higher levels of humic acid and zinc oxide nanoparticles/L-trytophan than levels they used in their study. “These high levels suggested for prospective studies may have more potential positive effects on soil properties and plant performance than our present studied levels.”
A study conducted by Bio Huma Netics, Inc. and the University of Florida (U.S.) published in 2021, ‘Bioactivity of Humic Acids Extracted from Shale Ore: Molecular Characterization and Structure-Activity Relationship With Tomato Plant Yield Under Nutritional Stress’, highlighted the role of humic acids in enhancing nutrient efficiency uptake.
In the study, published in Frontiers in Plant Science, the biostimulant properties of a sedimentary shale ore-extracted humic acid were tested on Micro Tom tomato plants under increasing nutritional stress.
The study authors stated that humic acid application proved effective in alleviating the nutrient stress of tomatoes, with better results than control plants that did not receive humic acids.
“Increased yield (up to 19 percent) and fruit quality (in the range of + 10 percent to 24 percent), higher ascorbic acid content, and better root growth were the main parameters affected by humic acid application, mostly when the plants were under high nutrient stress conditions (25 percent recommended nutrition),” stated the researchers.
Analysis of the chemical composition of humic acid revealed the presence of antioxidants such as flavonoids and pro-oxidants such as quinones. The researchers suggested that the combined action of these elements could prime plant defense systems to rapidly cope with stress situations by reprogramming plant development status.
“The outcomes of this study highlight the role of humic acids in enhancing nutrient efficiency uptake,” noted the study. “The application of humic acid at low NPK supply improved tomato yield and plant ability to cope with nutritional stress. The use of humic acids as a biostimulant represents a cost-effective and environmentally friendly tool to improve nutrient uptake by promoting sustainable agricultural practices.”
Soil enhancement is a fundamental agricultural practice with the goal to create the most promising environment for crops to flourish These studies along with future research will not doubt prove that humic and fulvic acids have developed the capacity to increase crop productivity around the world. ●
Humic substances are a promising tool to further optimize fertilizer application and nitrogen use efficiency in crops.
ICL and Lavie Bio Ltd., a subsidiary of Evogene Ltd., are collaborating to develop novel biostimulant products to enrich fertilizer efficiency.
As part of the collaboration, ICL is making a $10 million investment in Lavie Bio under a SAFE (simple agreement for future equity). The investment will be made via ICL Planet Startup Hub, which is the platform ICL uses to invest in and collaborate with innovative companies in the foodTech and agriTech domains.
Lavie Bio uses Evogene’s tech engine MicroBoost AI, leveraging big-data and advanced artificial intelligence (AI), in combination with a deep understanding of biology. Combining Lavie Bio's ag-biologicals expertise and cutting-edge technology with ICL's advanced knowledge of fertilizer use and farmers’ needs is aimed to facilitate the development of new and innovative products for the agriculture industry.
Elad Aharonson, president of Innovative Ag Solutions for ICL, said the collaboration demonstrates ICL’s commitment to bringing to market new, sustainable technologies for its customers. “It also provides us with a strong platform to enter the ag-biologicals market, which we see as highly complementary to our existing agriculture business. Following an extensive evaluation of Lavie Bio’s technical capabilities, we enthusiastically look forward to collaborating with them to bring much needed novel ag-biological products to the global market.”
According to Ofer Haviv, president and CEO of Evogene, the collaboration allows significant potential to develop novel ag-biologicals, which are expected to allow for the improvement of global food quality, agricultural sustainability and productivity. “We look forward to working closely with our new partners in bringing improved solutions to farmers worldwide, while advancing Lavie Bio to the next stage in its development.” ●
ICL and ag-biotech company PlantArcBio, Ltd. announced the development of a novel biostimulant technology platform that uses RNAi technology to maximize a plant's natural yield increase mechanisms, without any genetic modification.
In early-stage canola field trials, the companies state the platform has significantly increased seed weight per hectare for canola crops.
“The positive canola field trial results constitute another milestone in strengthening PlantArcBio’s capabilities in the development of RNAi-based products,” said Dror Shalitin, Ph.D., founder and CEO of PlantArcBio.
Larger-scale field trials are planned for 2022. These will include testing the new technology platform using both commercial sprayers and standard farming practices. Greenhouse trials for soybeans and rice are already in progress, with early results showing good potential.
“The use of novel biostimulants based on RNAi technology helps promote sustainability, by reducing the use of chemicals in agriculture,” said Hadar Sutovsky, vice president of external innovation and general manager of ICL Planet. “The application does its work, then rapidly disappears from both the plants and the environment, lasting no more than a few days, as it is highly biodegradable and also leaves no residual footprint.”
ICL and PlantArcBio have filed for a joint patent on the application for multiple crops. ●
J.M. Huber Corporation (Huber), a global, specialty engineered materials manufacturing company, has signed a binding agreement to acquire full control of the Biolchim Group from NB Renaissance, Chequers Capital and the Biolchim Group management team.
The Biolchim Group, managed and headed by Galileo Quattro SARL, has its main operating base in Italy, and is a producer and distributor of specialty plant nutrition and biostimulants. Closing of the sale is anticipated to occur by the end of 2022.
All the companies in the Biolchim Group – including Biolchim S.p.A, Cifo, Ilsa S.p.A, Matécsa Kft, and West Coast Marine-Bio Processing Corp. – are within the scope of the purchase. The Biolchim Group operates eight production plants globally, and its products – biostimulants, trace elements, and water soluble, liquid and foliar fertilizers – are present in over 70 countries worldwide.
Upon close of the sale, the Biolchim Group will become part of Huber Engineered Materials (HEM), a company within the Huber portfolio of businesses. The Biolchim Group will be a key part of the strategic foundation of the Huber AgroSolutions (HAS) business unit of HEM that currently includes Miller Chemical & Fertilizer (Miller).
Leonardo Valenti, CEO of the Biolchim Group since 2008, will continue to lead the Biolchim Group through the next phase of growth and the integration.●
Spain-based fertilizer producer Grupo Fertiberia has acquired Trichodex, a tech-based company with headquarters in Seville.
The acquisition allows Grupo Fertiberia to expand in the development of high added-value biostimulants and biofertilizers, and broadens its portfolio with microorganism-based biocontrol solutions.
Founded in 1991, Trichodex has an R&D team that converts the research from their laboratories, into high-tech products. These are then developed in their state-of-the-art production plant in Dos Hermanas (Seville). This highly integrated business model has enabled it to offer sustainable solutions that meet the needs of farmers in various parts of the world.
In addition to Spain, Trichodex markets its products in a dozen countries in Europe and Latin America. Its products are based on patented bioprocesses, through the selection of microorganisms for producing bioactive components that improve the yield and protection of crops.
“Combining Trichodex’s biotechnology and Grupo Fertiberia’s innovative product development will provide farmers with cutting-edge sustainable tools to improve their crops,” said Javier Goñi, president of the Grupo Fertiberia.
Grupo Fertiberia, founded in 1995, has been owned by Triton Partners since 2020. ●
Omnia Specialities Australia facility in Morwell, Australia.
Omnia Specialities Australia is a leader in the development and manufacture of speciality fertilizers and biostimulants including humates, fulvates, seaweed (kelp), microbials, organically chelated trace elements, physiological management foliars and biostimulant fertilizer coatings. Our vision is to lead the way in terms of quality and innovation. Soil health is our focus and priority.
Our value proposition centres on creating a better world by facilitating strong customer relationships and providing innovative and sustainable solutions for our customers.
The production plant is located next to a very rich raw material source of Australian leonardite which is known for having the highest concentration of humic acids in the world, with low levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. The products extracted from this source are well refined and sent across Australia and into international markets. The facility at Morwell has become a global biostimulant hub, attracting visitors from around the world, to witness and learn more about our high quality biostimulant products.
Part of the Humate manufacturing plant
Omnia has experienced tremendous growth at the Morwell site. For more than 20 years, our products have been in high demand, as growers look at ways to improve fertilizer efficiency, in turn, growing higher quality crops in a more sustainable manner. To add some context to this scope, the global market for biostimulants is projected to reach over US$5 billion by 2025. On a regional basis, the big growth will be in Latin America (key countries being Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Mexico) and in SE Asia and India.
Looking at the application of FertiCoat
Omnia Specialities Australia is currently exporting to more than 40 countries and has increased its production capacity to meet this growing demand, especially FertiCoat (biostimulant coating) to improve fertilizer efficiency. We also have entities in the US, Brazil and Europe, to better serve our international clients. ●
Filling of 22,000L bladders for international markets
Photo: Diane Jones
