Why Seaweed?

Natures Answer to Abiotic Stress

For the Future of Modern Farming

Brown Seaweed, Ascophylum Nodosum (knotted wrack) thrives in dynamic and often stressful marine environments, such as tidal zones with fluctuating salinity, temperature, light, and nutrient levels. To survive and adapt, seaweed produces a variety of bioactive compounds, including hormones, antioxidants, and osmolytes, which help regulate its metabolic processes under stress.

When these valuable elements are applied via soil, seed or foliar application to a wide variety of crops, the plants natural defence mechanisms are alerted to potential danger. This can manifest itself in a multitude of manners which vary dependant on species.

Our understanding of the benefits of seaweed extract are increasing all the time through independent scientific research and trials.

Although, seaweed is rich in essential nutrients and has served as a natural fertilizer, enhancing soil fertility and promoting plant growth. Coastal communities across the globe have long harvested seaweed to enrich their fields, utilizing its high mineral content, including iodine, potassium, and nitrogen, which are crucial for healthy crops. In addition to its agricultural benefits, seaweed has been a vital component in animal feed. Its nutritious profile boosts livestock health, improves digestion, and enhances growth rates. Historical records from various cultures, including the Celts, Vikings, and Japanese, indicate the widespread use of seaweed in feeding animals, particularly in coastal regions. Modern studies validate these traditional practices, showing that seaweed supplements can improve animal immunity and productivity. This ancient practice, rooted in sustainability, continues to offer ecological and economic benefits in contemporary farming and livestock care.

Why Seaweed?

Seaweed in horticulture is not a new phenomenon. It has been used as a  soil improver in crop cultivation for millennia. Modern agronomy has been dominated by chemistry based product development which is valuable but, is not the full story.

Harvesting

&

Processing

 

Grown wild in the clean North Atlantic ocean, on the shores of the UK & Ireland, Ascophyllum nodosum (knotted wrack) is primarily hand harvested by the local community and dried in situ providing a sustainable industry and support for local communities.

Science

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Quality

The Crop Smith Ltd. is continually running trials on different crops to establish robust data illustrating where the benefits of seaweed products are. Knowing how a product should be applied, and what to expect, is as important as the content of the product itself.

Product

Range

We provide a wide range of seaweed products that are being used across the globe on potatoes, cereals, fruit, nuts, and hydroponic crops, amongst others. Unlike other liquid seaweed extracts CS1 is completely soluble, very high in bioactive compounds and designed for blending, formulating and tank mixing.

Publications

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News

The Crop Smith Ltd. uses scientific methodology to provide new insights into for the uses of seaweed. Articles and publications are posted on our website regularly.  Nothing but quality information.

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