Zelp - Using NZ Kelp in Horticulture and Agriculture

Derived from Macrocystis pyrifera, harvested from the clean, nutrient rich waters of the South Island of New Zealand. This is the highest iodine analysis kelp in New Zealand. Available as a dry kibble and a powder to add to feeds, supplements and fertilizers or as a chip for cattle. This seaweed fertiliser can be used as a highly productive foliar spray or simply applied directly to the soil. Kelp is a natural source of auxins, cytokinins and gibberellins, and these ingredients, in conjunction with the comprehensive range of trace elements, amino acids and chelating agents found in kelp, can provide many benefits to agriculture and horticulture. Kelp also contains complex carbohydrates that promote the fungal component of the soil.

Benefits

Can be a valuable rescue remedy during periods of stress.
Improves crop quality and associated shelf-life.
Boosts soil life activity, particularly the fungal fraction.
Reduces the maturation time.
Increased brix levels may increase cold tolerance in some crops.
Increases brix levels with an associated reduction in insect attraction.
Offers DIY chelation, as it contains a chelating agent called mannitol.
Contains broad-spectrum trace elements in naturally chelated plant available form.
Boosts flowering and improves the flower to fruit ratio.

Instructions for Foliar Spray

Mix one kilo of kelp powder with 50L of water - stir vigorously and allow to sit until solids have settled, decant and apply at the rates below. Remaining solids can be added directly to soil or allowed to decompose and then added to the next application.

Application Rates for Foliar Spray

With dry conditions the foliar spray should be further diluted with 200L of water, if there is significant dew the spray can be added neat.

Small Crops, Turf & Vines: 25L per Ha
Orchard Crops: 50L per Ha.
Dry Cropping: 10L per Ha.
Rooting Powder: Dip cuttings directly into powder.
Seedling Treatment: Dip seedlings into a 1:1000 solution to reduce transplant shock, or add spread and then irrigate immediately after planting at 1 kg/ha.
Pre-Flowering Foliar Recipe for Fruit Trees

For home gardens; add a teaspoon of kelp to 4 L of water and water plants after transplanting with 1 – 4 L per plant, depending on plant size.

Miscellaneous

Suggested rates and dosages are approximate and may vary depending on the climatic region, soil type and fertility. Additional applications can be made immediately prior to or following stress periods such as frost or drought. It is preferable to increase the frequency of applications rather than the concentration of the solution. Lower dilution rates should be applied to less dense foliage. Increase to higher rates as foliage matures. Kelp is compatible with most insecticides, fungicides and fertilisers but, when chemical interaction is unknown, a jar test should be conducted. pH adjustments may be required with acidic mixtures. Excellent shelf life, however open containers or plastic bags should be closed and stored in a dry location away from sunlight. Avoid spillages on floor as product becomes very slippery when mixed with water and may create a hazard.

Animal Supplementation

Currently we use Macrocystis as an iodine supplement added to raw sea salt in a mix of 50g to 20kg of salt. This is popular with both sheep and cattle, the levels required are very low because Macrocystis pyrifera accumulates more iodine than any other marine algae. Kelp meals are also used as a feed additive with feeding rates generally 1 to 2 percent of the feed ration. Macrocystis pyrifera in this super dehydrated form has shown benefits occur at levels as low as 0.35% of feed, reducing the ammonia content of fecal material.

BENEFITS OF Macrocystis Pyrifera Supplementation.

Technical research and farmer/breeder observations, indicate a variety of benefits from the consumption of kelp – all evidence of good health and productivity.

Beef Cattle, Horses, Swine, Sheep, Goats, Poultry - Mix 50g with 20kg salt or add 0.5-1% with feed ration.

Improves feed utilization.
Excellent source of iodine which helps regulate metabolism.
Improves overall production (e.g., milk, weight gain).
Reduces or eliminates breeding problems.
Reduces internal parasites in pigs.
Reduces the incidence of white muscle disease in lambs.
Prevents wool shedding and increases wool quality in sheep.

Dairy Cows - Used at rates of 6g per milking cow per day.

Increases milk butterfat levels with fewer fluctuations.
Increases iodine content in milk.
Reduces the incidence of mastitis.
Significantly reduces milk fever.
Reduces or eliminates breeding problems (e.g., reduces the number of services required for conception, increases the rate of conception).
Replaces lost nutrients, especially in New Zealand where soils are low in Iodine, boron and selenium.

Chickens - Add 125g per 25kg bag of feed.

Increases egg production and iodine content.
Darkens yolk and skin color.
Strengthens shells.

Pets - Small Amounts (>1g) added to food each day.

Enhances the flexibility and sheen of the skin and coat in dogs, cats, and horses – a good measure of overall health