Benefits of Kelp

Originally Posted @ Simply Hydroponics - Benefits of Kelp

Article 1-5 Benefits of Kelp

Kelp is any of a variety of large, brown seaweeds that grow underwater and on rocky shores. Kelps are found in cold waters throughout the world.

Kelps vary widely in size and form. One type of kelp, called giant kelp, may have hundreds of branches, each of which has hundreds of leaves. Giant kelp may reach over 200 feet in length and will create entire forests of kelp. Other kelp consists of only a single branch and may be less than 3 feet long. But what they all share is that it is hard to tell the stems from the leaves.

The role of kelp in agriculture dates back thousands of years, and has been an integral part of coastal farming. It can be said with honesty that kelp is the most effective additive next to quality fertilizer.

The kelp that has the most importance for our needs is a kelp that grows in the cold Canadian waters of the Atlantic Ocean, it is called Ascophyllum Nodosum. There are many kelps that have great benefits for agriculture but this particular kelp has the gold medal.

Ascophyllum is harvested by collecting from either the rocky shores or using a type of dredge or seine to catch it. It is then washed with fresh water to rid it of excess sea salt and then it is dried and powdered. It is very important that they harvest it at just the right time to ensure that the cytokinin levels are at their peak (cytokinins are growth hormones responsible for cell division in plants).

Kelp contains many wonderful things such as over 70 minerals and trace elements, growth hormones, vitamins, enzymes, and proteins.

It has been proven that kelp or what is in kelp can accelerate growth, increase fruiting and flowering, provide resistance to disease, insects and frost. There are a couple of things that are important in regards to the benefits of kelp and how they work. The first one is all of the trace elements and minerals which are aided by a carbohydrate mannitol that chelates or makes available certain minerals. One of the problems of modern farming is enabling the plant to take up all of the nutrients to complete a healthy life cycle. Chelates are very important in allowing plants to take up certain essential elements. What researchers have discovered is that with so many trace elements and minerals as well as vitamins and enzymes not to mention growth hormones, kelp aids in building and or supporting the plants natural immune system. If you can keep a plants immune system high it will have the ability to resist disease, insects, frost, and drought.

The second important and perhaps the most important aspect of kelp is the growth hormones. Kelp contains ample quantities of auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins. All growth hormones play a part in how a plant functions, and are more accurately called growth regulators. Kelp has very high amounts of a particular hormone, cytokinin. Cytokinins are responsible for cell division, cell enlargement, differentiation of cells, development of chloroplasts as well as a delay in aging.

When kelp is used regularly you will notice that the overall health of the plant will increase and that when applied at certain times major growth will occur.

There are many ways to use kelp with foliar spraying being the most effective. You can improve specific growth stages by applying kelp with a specific response in mind. For example, if your tomatoes or peas are starting to bud, you can apply kelp to promote additional buds. If you require more root growth then you would apply it to the root zone after transplanting. Cytokinins respond within what ever stage that the plant is in. Spray in vegetative then you will experience more vegetative growth, spray in flower then you will experience more flowering etc.

There are several forms that kelp comes in and some forms offer more benefits than others. Granular kelp is often mixed in with other fertilizers and doesn't contain as high concentrations of cytokinins as liquid concentrate. If you are looking to supplement your present fertilizer regime then you would probably add powdered kelp. If however you are trying to promote more flowering or budding sites then you would use a concentrated liquid kelp product such as Growth Max or Growth Plus which both have a cytokinin level of 400 ppm.

Foliar spraying is the most effective way of applying kelp, since leaves are up to 8 times more efficient in taking in of nutrients than through the root system. When foliar spraying try to apply in the early morning when the plant is the most active and the stomata are open to their fullest, avoid spraying before it rains, use high quality water with a pH of 6.0, and any foliar spray benefits from a non ionic wetting agent such as Mega Wet.

In conclusion, kelp can help germinate seeds quicker, improve taking of cuttings, encourage rooting, build immunity, add more color and flavor, give a longer shelf life, produce more and larger buds and flowers, counter any nutrient deficiencies, and fight off insects and disease. Kelp is truly mother natures gift to the modern gardener.

Article 3-3 Hormones

by Erik Biksa

Growers manipulate or take advantage of the enviroment to produce responses in plants. These include rooting, vegetative growth, branching, flowering, setting seed or fruit, and dormancy. Hormones in plants influence these reactions. They can be produced within the plant as a result of environment. In some instances, they are supplied to the plant by the grower. There is some debate as to the roles of hormones in plants, and some debate as to whether or not additional hormones have been documented.

There are five generally accepted types of hormones that influence plant growth and development. They are: auxin, cytokinin, gibberellins, abscic acid, and ethylene. It is not one hormone that directly influences by sheer quantity. The balance and ratios of hormones present is what helps to influence plant reactions. The hormonal balance possibly regulates enzymatic reactions in the plant by amplifying them, leading to the results the grower wants to see.

Following is a brief description of the role of hormones in plant responses:

Auxins:
Auxins are produced in significant quantities in the upper growth regions of plants, promoting cell elongation. It travels from the shoot tip to the base when the plant is actively growing. It plays a role in the formation of plant roots.

IAA is an auxin in it's natural state. Synthetic rooting hormones contain compounds such as IBA typically ranging in concentrations from 1000-10,000 ppm. When cuttings are taken, and dipped for rooting, here's part of what happens:

The plant stops growing stem tissue. The cells that have been developing but have not yet been dedicated to any specific type of growth (i.e. stem development) are stimulated by the auxin such as IBA to become roots. These cells are now set to grow roots, and will further multiply and develop to produce a healthy root system, which will develop hormones that influence the upper development of the plant. Synthetic auxins sprayed on tomato vines will allow fruit to develop without pollination. Auxin that is usually produced by the seeds has been replaced, so no seeds will develop.

An overdose of auxin will actually inhibit cell elongation, because the plant will produce another hormone to try and balance the act. When applied to seeds, auxins also help to promote femaleness in dioecious plants (plants having females and males). The concentration of auxin is usually highest at the main growing point of the plant, surpressing lateral/side shoot growth. Growers have often pinched the tips of the plants in order to promote extensive branching and to keep plants short and sturdy. Bending and tying the growing point downwards will also have a similar effect without damaging the concentration of auxins within the plant.

Cytokinins:
Cytokinins are produced in the plant's roots and move upwards through the plant to the growing tips. As the roots system grows larger, it produces more cytokinins, which in turn, signals the plant to grow and branch more. As the plant continues to grow and branch, it produces more auxin in the growing points. Remember auxin influences root development, so the plant grows more roots, producing more cytokinin, etc. Less cytokinin with more auxin signals root growth. More cytokinin, less auxin triggers more shoot growth.

Kelp meal is a natural source of cytokinins. Kelp based products contain kelp extracts in easy to apply liquids. Additions of these products at the roots during the vegetative stage will result in rapid growth and branching. It is best applied to the root zone, but a quick foiliar spray can be used to perk up growth. A fine spray in early flowering will help to build the framework for a bountiful harvest, as it plays a role in longevity of plants. Flowering might be slightly extended, adding to the quality and results. During the vegetative stage an abundance of cytokinins will help to remove dominance (due to higher concentrations of auxin) from the main growing tip, leading to bushier plants.

Applications of cytokinins can reduce aging in plants and can improve the shelf life of vegetables and cut flowers.

Giberellins:
Giberellins are produced by the roots and growing leaves. It promotes cell elongation and cell division. In seeds, it is activated by water and helps to break seed dormancy leading to germination. Some plants such as lettuce, in high temperature will "bolt" growing an upright seed stock, this can be attributed to an abundance of gibberellins.

In dioecious plant species (those types of plants having females and males) the application of giberellic acid ( typically foiliar sprays) can cause female plants to develop male flowers, thus, pollinating themselves. These plants generally turn out to be all female. So if a grower has two different or same types of a favorite specimen, they can apply giberellic acid as a spray once or twice during flowering. The plants should only be harvested for their pollen for transfer to an unsprayed and desirable female. The offspring might be more susceptible to hermaphordism (both male and female flowers on the same plant) than their parent under environmental stress such as photoperiod interruptions or being root bound.

Giberellins also act against abscic acid in breaking the dormancy in the growing points of plants.

Abscic Acid:
Abscic acid is produced in the buds/shoot tips of the plants. It plays a key role in slowing plant growth and promotes dormancy (overwintering) in plants. This function also helps to slow cell elongation, possibly promoting tighter internodal spacing (distance between growing points) for tight flower spikes. ABA (abscic acid) plays an important role in plant survival. It can prevent plant wilt, as it triggers stomata (tiny holes in leaves plants used to take in CO2 and release O2 for photosynthesis) to close during drought conditions, so the plant requires less water because it has shut down its growth process.

This creates the assumption that abscic acid is a "stress" hormone. Furthermore, abscic acid plays a role in leaf abcision, the process where the lower leaves of the plant begin to drop near maturity or from severe stress.

Ethylene:
Ethylene is present as a gas produced by the plant. As levels of ethylene increase with plant development while other hormones are balancing in accordance, the effects of ethylene become more pronounced. Ethylene promotes fruit ripening, or "maturing". This signals the plant that it's life cycle is changing or ending. Tomatoes turn red and small flowers begin to wither. It will signal the plant to transfer it's nutrients back into the stem tissue from the leaves and other storage tissue. Abcission (the process where leaves drop) is attributed to decreasing levels of auxin produced by the leaves, allowing further expression of abscic acid and ethylene. This response is brought on by shortening days and cooler nights.

Tomatoes can be grown with an ethylene inhibitor, shipped green for shelf life and resistance to handling damage, and then exposed to a sealed environment with controlled levels of ethylene to ripen the fruit at their point of destination. Burning fossil fuels, such as CO2 generators produce small amounts of ethylene. Inefficient and un-inspected burners may produce ethylene levels high enough to seriously harm plants. Ethylene is found in abundance in the skin of ripening fruit such as apples or green bananas. By placing unripened plant material in a paper bag with a green banana you can hasten ripening, bringing out flavour and aroma. If done at warmer temperatures fresher material will convert stored starches to sugars.

Contrary to CO2 burners, bottled CO2 will help to decrease ethylene levels with good air circulation. By adding CO2 to sealed containers for storage, you can help to increase the shelf life and qualities you desire, as it will counteract the ethylene driving the aging process after harvest.

The above helps to shed some light on the role of hormones in plants. Growers should be cautious when applying hormones to plants. Excessive amounts could be detrimental to the plants development, causing serious set backs in plant functions. Synthetic hormones should also be handled with caution. Some are known to me mutanagenic and carcinogenic in mammals. However, used safely, at the right time, and in the right amount, hormones provide the grower with an additional means of plant manipulation. Sterilized coconut milk is used in tissue culture for stimulating shoot development as it contains cytokinins. Most agar base recipes call for 100ml per liter of medium. Malt can be used to provide auxin for root growth. A great deal of information regarding hormones can be found in publications dealing with tissue culture. The key to remember is that no one hormone controls plant processes, it is the balance of all hormones influenced by environmental factors which the grower must control in order to achieve the results they desire.

Benefits

Why seaweed?

Long known and used by farmers for its rich value, seaweed feeds plants with a wide range of nutrients, growth bio-stimulants and conditioners. Harvested along the Norwegian coastline—the most perfect seaweed growing environment—this is an organic, non-pollutant renewable resource.

It stimulates natural development

By increasing the levels of your plants’ chlorophyll production, Maxicrop stimulates their natural development and growth. Maxicrop functions as a catalyst to let your plants use the sun’s energy more effectively—thereby promoting stronger, healthier growth.

Seaweed also feeds the soil

And soil is the key—feeding the plant without simultaneous concern for the soil is like building a house on sand. Many artificial fertilizers, while offering impressive results in the short term, do so by neglecting the long term health of the soil. Maxicrop greatly improves this obvious (but generally overlooked) part of your plant’s ecosystem. It creates an extended root system, giving your plants greater access to nutrients and water in the soil, and thus to long term health.

Natural resistance

Maxicrop stimulates beneficial soil microbe activity, which leads to improving your plants’ natural resistance to stresses. It creates a biological barrier between your plants and pathogens.

How Maxicrop Seaweed works

Maxicrop contains a large complex of chelated minor elements, to help lessen or nullify minor deficiencies in plants. It also contains important biogrowth stimulants, which have a tremendous effect on seed germination, root development, and general growth. Maxicrop’s organic sugars make available to the plants all the wonderful properties of seaweed.

As a fertilizer supplement

Most artificial fertilizers are powerful boosters, introducing large amounts of N-P-K (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium). But N-P-K contents are not a yardstick for their effectiveness. Too much rain, for instance, can wash most of it out of the soil, while too little may lead to high concentrations and scorching of delicate seedlings.
Here, too, Maxicrop can be very effective as a fertilizer supplement to help restore soil conditions.

i use kelp and wouldnt grow without it. i do collect some from da beach and also buy some

Powdered seaweed extract has as much connection to kelp meal as Tang does to orange juice

Probably even less

Hey CC, always looking to learn more. Can you explain? ^^^^^^

I've never bought powdered kelp although i have debated it in the past. i would also appreciate if you would elaborate on that some. does dehydration ruin the cytokinins or something along those lines?

CC

there are not many beaches in colorado, so kelp meal is the best i can do. when you talk about "powdered kelp" do you mean products like maxi crop, or are you saying that any bagged kelp product is garbage?

and if it is all garbage, is garbage better than nothing?

order up some age old kelp and there fish/seaweed extracts

ClackamasCootz said:

Powdered seaweed extract has as much connection to kelp meal as Tang does to orange juice

Probably even less

Click to expand...

I've heard that a person may acquire good quality kelp meal in a 50 pound bag at the livestock store.

It is not an extract but is dried and powdered or flaked.

is there a reason to buy liquid seaweed instead of extract? i use extract to make a stock solution as its much cheaper

Kelp meal - dried kelp, chopped and sized and bagged then shipped. Available at farm stores or feed stores - livestock diet supplement. Finest soil amendment you can use - period.

Seaweed extract (black powder like Maxicrop or the stuff that is in 'liquid seaweed' <snerk>) - fresh kelp which has had the compounds removed because they're worth big bucks - Alginic acid, Mannitol - then it is hit with either Sodium Hydroxcide or Potassium Hydroxide -same stuff used to cremate Grandma Martha which is why you can keep Grandma's 'remains' in an urn on the mantle and it won't smell - all of the life was burned away when one of the hydroxide came into contact with her skin, blood, organs, etc.

Kelp meal is labeled just that - no games. No chance for Kid 'n Play at Hydro Heaven to reinvent this wheel.

Powdered seaweed extract - like the fun zone at the state fair.

CC

ClackamasCootz said:

Kelp meal - dried kelp, chopped and sized and bagged then shipped. Available at farm stores or feed stores - livestock diet supplement. Finest soil amendment you can use - period.

Seaweed extract (black powder like Maxicrop or the stuff that is in 'liquid seaweed' <snerk>) - fresh kelp which has had the compounds removed because they're worth big bucks - Alginic acid, Mannitol - then it is hit with either Sodium Hydroxcide or Potassium Hydroxide -same stuff used to cremate Grandma Martha which is why you can keep Grandma's 'remains' in an urn on the mantle and it won't smell - all of the life was burned away when one of the hydroxide came into contact with her skin, blood, organs, etc.

Kelp meal is labeled just that - no games. No chance for Kid 'n Play at Hydro Heaven to reinvent this wheel.

Powdered seaweed extract - like the fun zone at the state fair.

CC

Click to expand...

Well good. I was right about something. Are there any particular packaging labels to watch for?

Hey CC does that go the same for liquid seaweed extracts? I have some Dr earth liquid seaweed that is black and goopy that Ive been using in teas.

spurrsbrotha said:

Well good. I was right about something. Are there any particular packaging labels to watch for?

Click to expand...

Dating back to the original release of Maxicrop in 1951, an international protocol was put into place which was later codified in 1960 by international treaty the term 'kelp' would be limited to minimally processed plant material. This had not been an issue prior to William Stephenson bringing Maxicrop to the market - i.e. there was no extract of any kind.

Kelp meal is kelp meal without any interpretation needed or required. Powdered seaweed extract is made as I described.

Maxicrop started the 'liquid seaweed' deal by shipping their powdered seaweed extract from Norway where it's processed to a suburb of Chicago where it is rehydrated and Viola! you now have 'liquid seaweed extact' - cute stuff indeed.

Maxicrop sells their powder to anyone who wants it and they do because adding it to a label makes the product look really helpful - and it is up to a point.

As the OP noted in the opening of this thread, both Kelp and seaweed extracts will have the full array of elements - about 83 or something close.

But just like Grandma even dead before her body is burned to a powder she had enzymes, proteins, carbohydrates, blah, blah, blah which are not in her 'remains'

Same deal with Kelp - burn away all of the compounds (Secondary Metabolites, auxins, root enhancers, enzymes, vitamins, blah, blah, blah) and what are you left with?

Elements. Period. Ovah.

Pretty expensive way to get the full array of elements given the price on either powdered seaweed extract (Maxicrop runs about $24.00 per lb.) or 'liquid' seaweed extract (i.e. hydrated seaweed extract powder) - a lot of plants accumulate the full array as well for far less money.

Even the 'blow me' price of kelp meal from Down-To-Earth, Dr. Earth, E.B. Stone - whoever - it all comes from either Norway or Nova Scotia (Acadian Seaplants, Ltd.) - same species of brown kelp. Harvested in the same waters - North Atlantic.

Kelp meal contains compounds found only in this plant. Alfalfa contains the exact same elements but it, like kelp meal, brings a slew of compounds some of which are only available in Alfalfa. Same with Comfrey. Stinging Nettles.

If you're using seaweed extract as a 'nute' then you're spending big, big money for a limited benefit - like losing out in 380 compounds that are the real plant growth enhancers.

CC

what about the eco-nutrients liquid kelp that i got from concentrates? is that better? or the same?

are there any differences in how the "good" pricey stuff that you buy for plants and the affordable stuff that you buy for horses is processed? or is it just the color of the bag and the price tag?

greenmatter said:

are there any differences in how the "good" pricey stuff that you buy for plants and the affordable stuff that you buy for horses is processed? or is it just the color of the bag and the price tag?

Click to expand...

Exactly the same, i.e. Ascophyllum nodosum

Here is a comparison chart of the compounds found in brown, green and red 'kelp' (i.e. marine algae) from Dr. Michael Guiry

The Big 3 are Alginic acid, Mannitol and Fucoidan - all found in brown algae in high levels and nil in green & red species

All marine algae (kelp) will give you the same Elements but it's in these compounds where the huge differences lie - and that's what you're wanting - PGRs, IAA, INA, et al

HTH

CC

all natural said:

what about the eco-nutrients liquid kelp that i got from concentrates? is that better? or the same?

Click to expand...

I haven't used Eco-Nutrients for 3 or 4 years. Since that one and only bottle they've changed the label and at one point I saw the word 'reformulated' on the label.

Shake the bottle and smell it - what do you smell?

CC

True Kelp Meal Tea Recipe

5 gallons of pure water
2 oz. of Kelp meal

Stick an airstone in the bucket and bubble for 48 hours or so - kelp meal tea

Take the material (which still contains up to 50% of 'da good stuff' so use it to top dress plants, cover with compost or worm castings. Better yet would be to feed the kelp meal to your worms - huge upgrade on the final worm castings, etc.

"Multi-use" for about $1.50 per lb. (blow me price but still far less than powders @ $25.00 per lb. with far less benefit)