The degradation rate and quality of compost can be improved by addition of diluted kelp extract. For example, add 500g to 2 Kg of kelp powder to make 100L of compost. To make sure even distribution of kelp extract on the compost. One should dilute the kelp powder with water at 200-300 times, and then sprinkle the liquid to the compost.
Application Recommendation and Literature
- Kelp/Seaweed Extract Powder Recommended Foliar Application.
- Here is the test report and approval of chitosan by US EPA for use in agriculture & horticulture.
- Field tests report.
Recommended Foliar Application
Apply 1-1.5Kg/ha or 300-500g/Acre.
| Vegetables | Timing | General Application |
|---|---|---|
| Eggplants, Pepper, Melon, and Squash. | Spray at six-leaf stage → Early bloom → First fruit set → Four weeks later (optional). | |
| Bean and Peas | Six-leaf stage → First bloom → First pods. | Every 2 weeks and after each picking. |
| Cabbage, Broccoli, and Cauliflower | Six true leaf stage → 3 weeks later → Head initiation. | |
| Cucurbits and Cucumbers | Six-leaf stage → Just prior to bloom → early fruiting. | Every 3-4 weeks and after each picking. |
| Onions, Carrots, Chicory, Leeks, & Turnips | 2 to3 weeks after emergence/5-leaf stage → Root enlargement. | Every 2-3 weeks. |
| Potatoes | Six-leaf stage → When tuber approx. pea size → Beginning of bloom → Bulking up. | |
| Tomato | Six-leaf stage → pre-bloom → At fruit set → 2-3 weeks later. | Every 2-3 weeks and after each picking. |
Flowers and Grass
| Plant | Dilution | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Roses | 1:3000 | Every month and after each pruning or cutting. |
| 1:1000 | At the beginning of the growing season. Soak the soil with 200-300ml 3 times per week; subsequently, once a month | |
| Lupins | 1:3000 | Spray once after 3-6 weeks of emergence. |
| Other flowering and Ornamental plants | 1:1000 | After transplanting, soak the soil around the seedling with ∼ 100ml. |
| 1:5000 | Spray every 2 weeks. | |
| Turf and Golf Courses (600-800g/ha) | 1:5000 | Once or twice per month. More effective to apply often at a lower concentration. |
| Fairways (300-400g/ha) | ||
| Pasture (1Kg/ha) | Spray during early growth after emergence, grazing or cutting. | |
| Hay/Meadow (1-1.5Kg/ha) | Spray 2 weeks after emergence or when the hay is ∼ 6-8” tall; repeat 2 to 3 times with 3-4 week intervals. |
| Fungi | Dilution | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Mushroom | 1:3000 | size of mushroom head is 1-1.5 cm →size of mushroom head is 3 cm |
Compost enrichment and degradation
