Kelp-Chips™
Kelp-Chips™ (ECKLONIA MAXIMA) is a natural growth catalyst for plants, seedlings in all stages of life including transplants.
Ecklonia maxima kelp, particularly when processed into dried chips, granules, or powder, serves as a powerful organic biostimulant in agriculture and horticulture, with benefits focused on root development, soil health, and environmental resilience.
Here are the positive impacts of using Ecklonia maxima Kelp-Chips™:
1. Significant Root and Plant Growth Stimulation:
Ecklonia maxima is renowned for: having a naturally high ratio of auxins to cytokinins (approximately 350:1), which is crucial for root-focused growth.
Increased Root Biomass: Application of this kelp, including in chip or powder form, stimulates root hair elongation and increases root biomass by 40–60% compared to untreated plants.
Faster Establishment: It enhances seedling establishment rate and reduces transplant shock in nursery plant-outs.
Vigorous Growth: The high auxin content promotes lateral root growth, leading to better anchoring and overall plant vigor.
2. Improved Soil Health and Moisture Retention:
Kelp chips act as a soil conditioner, especially in dryland agriculture or in potted horticulture.
Moisture Retainer: Dried kelp chips act as a water reservoir in the root zone, increasing the soil’s water-holding capacity.
Soil Conditioning: The polysaccharide components increase soil aggregation, which improves soil structure and nutrient retention.
Microbial Activity: They stimulate beneficial soil microbes, creating a healthier rhizosphere.
Nutrient Availability: They act as a natural chelator, aiding the availability of trace elements to the plant.
3. Enhanced Crop Resilience to Abiotic Stress:
Ecklonia maxima helps plants withstand adverse environmental conditions.
Drought and Heat Resistance: The improved root system allows plants to absorb water more efficiently, improving resilience to heat and drought.
Salinity and Frost Mitigation: It activates the plant’s defense mechanisms, providing increased resistance to high salinity levels and improving freeze resistance.
4. Improved Crop Yield and Quality:
Increased Yield: Studies show increased crop quantity for vegetables, cereals, and fruits, with improved fruit set and uniformity.
Better Quality Produce: It improves fruit quality by increasing fruit firmness, improving color, increasing sweetness, and enhancing shelf life.
Pest and Disease Resistance: It helps plants fight abiotic stress and reduces the impact of pathogens and pests.
5. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Farming:
Sustainable Resource: Ecklonia maxima is sustainably harvested off the South African coast.
Organic Option: It acts as a safe, natural alternative to synthetic fertilizers, supporting organic farming practices and reducing chemical fertilizer dependency.
Applications in Horticulture and Agriculture:
Dried Ecklonia maxima chips (e.g., 3mm chips) are commonly used as:
Soil Amendment: Applied in the field to improve soil structure.
Compost Booster: Added to compost heaps to accelerate decomposition and enrich the mixture.
Slow-Release Mulch/Amendment: Used in potting mixes for moisture retention and slow release of nutrients.
More about Kelp-Chips™
It is very well established that Kelp increases agricultural yields substantially by stimulating
growth particularly pertaining to the roots which in turn supports the health of the plant. MakroKelp is
made from wet Ecklonia Maxima Kelp and is milled to produce a smooth suspension and finally cold-
pressed to produce pure Kelp extract.
The MakroKelp production procedure utilises cutting edge cell bursting technology from fresh kelp seaweed without the use of any chemicals or heat. This is the most effective manner to retain the bioactive compounds naturally present in the kelp.
When kelp is cold-pressed in this procedure the fresh seaweed cell walls are disrupted and bioactive compounds are released into what we term a liquid suspension. This kelp liquid suspension contains a multitude of vitamins,
proteins, amino acids, organic acids, growth hormones, betaines, phytohormones, polysaccharides and mineral compounds that are beneficial for crop growth and health.
Kelp-Chips™ is designed for:
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