Seaweed fertilizers are a booming, evidence-backed farming trend
Soil Health
The kelp-based fertilizer you might sprinkle on tomatoes or houseplants isn't just a trendy add-on: it contains natural growth hormones and polysaccharides that studies show can improve soil structure and help plants cope with drought and stress.
Scientists looked at 156 research papers published between 2000 and 2024 about using seaweed to help crops and soil. Seaweed contains natural plant hormones, sugars, and antioxidants that can boost photosynthesis, feed beneficial soil microbes, and help plants grow better. Interest in this topic has exploded since 2018, especially in Asia, though scientists say we still need more real-world farm trials before it becomes standard practice.
Key Findings
156 journal articles analyzed showed an 11.94% average annual growth rate in seaweed-agriculture research from 2000-2024, peaking in 2024
Asia produced the most research output (84 publications), followed by Europe (41) and North America (12)
Four major research themes identified: algal bioactive mechanisms, seaweed inputs for yield/nutrition, soil health amendments, and biofertilizers for stress adaptation
chevron_right Technical Summary
A review of 156 studies from 2000-2024 shows seaweed-based fertilizers and soil amendments are a fast-growing research area, with Asia leading the charge, because compounds in seaweed can boost crop yields, improve soil quality, and help plants handle stress.
Abstract Preview
Original paper
Global research trends on seaweed-based amendments for soil health and crop productivity
Seaweeds have emerged as pivotal bioresources in sustainable agriculture, bridging the soil–crop–nutrient continuum through their multifaceted roles in enhancing soil fertility, nutrient cycling, a...
open_in_new Read full abstractAbstract copyright held by the original publisher.
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Seaweed, or macroalgae, refers to thousands of species of macroscopic, multicellular, marine algae. The term includes some types of Rhodophyta (red), Phaeophyta (brown) and Chlorophyta (green) macroalgae. Seaweed species such as kelps provide essential nursery habitat for fisheries and other mari...