Research and Publications

Fertilizer from the Sea:
Fish Emulsion and Seaweed Extract

Melissa Ann Pline Brown, Graduate Student, and Jeanine Davis, Ph.D., Advisor
Department of Horticultural Science
NC State University

Snake Oil or Supplemental Fertilizer?

Product claims:

• Improved plant vigor
• Frost and heat resistance
• Increased seed germination
• Increased yields
• Disease and pest resistance
• Improved shelf life
• Improved flavor

Fish emulsions: 2-4-1 and Ca, Mg, S, Cl, and Na

Seaweed extracts: 0-0-1 and minor nutrients

Fish/Seaweed blends: 2-3-1

• Cost: approximately $14/quart or $30/gallon
• Available at most garden centers
• Most allowed by the National Organic Program

Germination

To investigate the claim that soaking seeds in sea products will increase seed germination, a germination study was conducted. Pepper and tomato seeds were soaked overnight in fish, seaweed, fish/seaweed, or water. As a control, some seeds were not soaked. There was no difference in germination rates between any of the treatments.

Transplant Production

Fish and seaweed products are commonly used as source of fertility in the production of organic transplants. Greenhouse studies were conducted to determine the optimal number of applications. Tomato and pepper transplants were grown in Winstrip flats and drenched with 1/2 oz/gallon of seaweed/fish either bi-weekly, weekly, or two times weekly. The controls received no applications. The preliminary studies showed the plants with the greatest heights and weights were those receiving the solution twice a week.

Foliar Fertilization

Foliar fertization is the application, via spraying, of nutrients to plant leaves and stems wheree they are absorbed into the plant through the cuticle. Greenhouse and field studies were conducted on sweet peppers. The peppers were sprayed bi-weekly with 1 oz/gallon of fish, seaweed, fish/seweed, 20-20-20, or water. The field peppers with sprayed with a solor back pack until the liquid flowed off the leaves. Ratings and heights were taken weekly and peppers were harvested bi-weekly. After one harvest from the field, there were no significant differences in yield and grade of sweet peppers.

Dr. Jeanine Davis
Mountain Horticultural Crops Research & Extension Center
455 Research Drive
Mills River, NC 28759
Phone: 828.684.3562 ~ Fax: 828.684.8715
Email: jeanine_davis@ncsu.edu