Low energy kelp provides crop yield benefits with breakthrough results

An ambitious project aimed at optimising low energy processing of cultivated kelp to create a liquid bio-stimulant and animal feed supplement is closer to commercialisation after exceeding its initial targets in controlled field trials.

The project, called ‘Optimising low energy extraction of kelp for soil and livestock nutrition’ (or Low Energy Kelp), is funded by Innovate UK and builds on previous feasibility studies to optimise the liquid extraction and ensiling of kelp, aiming to develop a novel two stage extraction process which produces consistent agricultural products.

Algapelago Marine Limited (lead partner), a farming led seaweed biotech business operating an offshore seaweed farm, collaborated with Rothamsted Research and the UK Agri-Tech Centre to demonstrate the efficacy of these products under abiotic stress conditions.

Interest is growing in the use of seaweed derived bio-stimulants in agriculture due to their potential to enhance crop growth, promote stress tolerance and increase nutrient use efficiency, and because they are derived from a sustainable source with positive environment impacts.

Current agri-seaweed products are dominated by seaweed sourced from wild harvest and the demand for seaweed derived soil and animal supplements is expected to grow exponentially as policy drives a reduction in chemical inputs.

Experiments were conducted at Rothamsted’s controlled environment facilities where the partners could establish optimal application methods and rates for Algapelago’s prototype bio-stimulant.

First, Rothamsted investigated the impact of four different rates of foliar applications on wheat and field bean yields under both well-watered and drought stressed conditions, and secondly, whether foliar application or soil application had the greatest impact on yields of wheat.

Further experiments assessed the timings of applications relative to growth stage, and applications under different drought stress scenarios (only one was tested here), were recommended to further understand and optimise the use of Algapelago’s bio-stimulant products.

Experiments using different rates of fertiliser application were recommended, as the bio-stimulant potentially could perform better under more nutrient limited conditions than those that were used in the study.

Evidence found that seaweed derived bio-stimulants can – and do – under certain conditions, provide crop yield benefits.

Dr Marieme Drame is the scientific technician at Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, and she speaks positively about the results found so far.

She said, ‘Kelp derived bio-stimulants offer a systems based solution that works with plant and soil biology to enhance crop performance.

‘At the optimal application rate in our wheat trials, we observed improved growth and yield, along with positive indirect effects on soil microbial activity, demonstrating clear value for productive and resilient farming systems.’

Dr Hari Ram Upadhayay, scientist in Agroecosystem Biogeochemistry at Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, thinks the way forward is through teamwork.

He said, ‘Collaboration is a key to driving innovation. Here, kelp derived bio-stimulants innovation holds major promise for supporting sustainable intensification as agriculture adapts to a changing climate.’

Also from Rothamsted Research is Professor Adie Collins, science director, and he believes that collaboration can be crucial to the success of the industry.

He said, ‘This project provides a good example of how industry and science teams can co-work together to ensure robust evidence is assembled on potential new interventions in support of sustainable and resilient agriculture in a changing and challenging world.’

Dr Saravanan Rengaraj, innovation associate for Soil Health at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: ‘Algapelago has successfully applied nature based farmed seaweed chemistry through a scalable bio-stimulant platform designed to enhance crop yield stability and nutrient use efficiency.

‘We at the UK Agri-Tech Centre feel proud to have supported with technical validation and project management.’

Kerr Jeferies, market research and partnerships manager at Algapelago, said: ‘The insights from our direct engagement with growers have been invaluable.

‘Hearing directly from leading farm managers and agronomists has sharpened our focus and made us even more confident in the product’s potential and market fit.

‘We are excited to continue engaging with these partners as we go from prototype to full commercialisation of the UK cultivated kelp bio-stimulant.’

Speaking about the project and the progress it has made in exceeding its targets, Luke Ansell, head of operations and research at Algapelago, said: ‘The Low Energy Kelp project set out an ambitious goal to unlock the supply of cultivated kelp as a quality agricultural supplement.

‘Over the last two years, we've made great progress towards that goal, moving from concept phase to a low-energy processing method stress tested at a one tonne scale.

‘The prototype bio-stimulant product has far exceeded expectations in wheat trials, demonstrating that bio-stimulants sourced from cultivated seaweed can outperform market incumbents.

‘Though the Low Energy Kelp project has ended, we will continue to build the evidence base for product efficacy and move towards commercial production through the sister Innovate UK SKE-NMT project.

‘I want to thank all project partners, including Atlantic Mariculture, Rothamsted Research and the UK Agri-Tech Centre, for their contributions.

‘It has been a pleasure working with the consortium team and we look forward to providing more updates on our work soon.’