A new, dry granular source of calcified seaweed offering the potential to cut chemical fertiliser costs and significantly improve plant uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) is now available direct to UK farmers.

A new granular calcified seaweed source is once again
available for UK farmers to spread.

SeaCal is being harvested off the south west coast of Ireland and Iceland by Co. Cork based Celtic Sea Minerals and the company is now exporting it to the UK as a rich source of calcium and magnesium to correct acidic soils. The new calcified seaweed is dried to less than 1% moisture and also provides a source of 72 trace minerals.

“Soils are becoming increasingly acidic due to increased applications of slurry and nitrogenous fertilisers, such as urea, which contribute to the faster removal of calcium from the soil. This can leave pastures ‘sour’ with livestock reluctant to graze,” explains Derek Foster from Celtic Sea Minerals.

“Applying calcified seaweed raises soil pH, with studies showing that increasing the pH of an acid soil (pH 5.5) with SeaCal by 0.5 of a unit improves N, P and K availability by 16%, 8% and 30% respectively. With chemical fertiliser prices continuing to escalate this is a significant benefit.”

Derek Foster points out that calcified seaweed can also help address other soil mineral imbalances and trace element deficiencies. “As well as releasing locked-up phosphate and potash in the soil, SeaCal releases macro minerals and a comprehensive range of trace elements to promote a healthy plant.”

The granular nature of SeaCal means that it can be applied to land using a standard fertiliser spreader. To maintain the soil for three years, an application rate of 250kg per acre is recommended. Spreading can be done at any time of year and any livestock can remain in the field during application.

For further information and to secure supplies of the new calcified seaweed source, contact Celtic Sea Minerals on + 353 21 4378377.

Service to Help Farmers Save Money on Purchased Fertiliser
Latest Maize Variety Evaluation Report Highlights Best Value Crops
Market Intelligence - Key to Cereal Variety Choice