ORGANIC SOIL IMPROVER: Providing a full nutritional profile for you soil to make it healthier and more productive
Following an exceptionally dry July and August, the arrival of rainfall across parts of the UK has brought much-needed moisture back to the upper layers of the soil.
For farmers preparing to establish winter cereals, oilseeds and pulses, this change in conditions could provide a valuable opportunity.
Soil temperatures remain relatively warm during early autumn. When sufficient moisture is also available, conditions become more favourable for soil microorganisms and the biological processes that help make nutrients available to growing crops.
Applying Sea2Soil during this early establishment period can support soil biology, crop nutrition and root development—helping winter crops build a stronger foundation before temperatures fall and growth slows.
Successful establishment depends on more than placing seed into moist soil.
Young plants must develop roots, access nutrients and build sufficient biomass to withstand the environmental and biological pressures they may face over winter. This requires a functioning relationship between the crop and the soil microbiome.
Beneficial soil bacteria and fungi help decompose organic materials and convert nutrients into forms that plants can use. They also contribute to soil structure, moisture dynamics and the development of healthy root systems.
However, these biological processes take time and are influenced by conditions in the soil. Temperature and moisture are particularly important.
Applying a soil improver while soils are still warm and moist can help stimulate biological activity when newly germinating crops have rapidly developing nutritional requirements. For winter crops, September and October can therefore offer an important window for application.
Sea2Soil is a fish hydrolysate soil improver that can be utilised by both the soil microbiome and the plant.
It contains naturally balanced amino acids and fatty acids, alongside essential macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. It also provides calcium, magnesium and other trace elements in a bioavailable form.
This combination makes Sea2Soil a valuable food source for soil microorganisms while contributing to the nutritional needs of the growing plant.
Rather than concentrating solely on feeding the crop, its role is to support the wider biological system responsible for cycling nutrients and making them available. This can help create the conditions for stronger roots, healthy early growth and greater tolerance of environmental stress.
Sea2Soil can be incorporated into conventional, regenerative and organic farming systems, either as part of an existing crop nutrition programme or as a foundation on which to build one.
Recent seasons have demonstrated how quickly growing conditions can change.
A prolonged dry period can restrict germination and early root development. Intense or sustained rainfall can then result in waterlogged soils, poorer aeration and narrower windows for fieldwork.
Once a crop is already experiencing stress, the opportunity to influence its establishment may be limited. Supporting soil biology and crop nutrition early allows plants to develop before colder temperatures, saturated soils or pest pressure create additional challenges.
The aim is not simply to encourage rapid top growth. A well-established root system enables the crop to explore a greater volume of soil for water and nutrients, while biologically active soil helps keep those nutrients cycling.
This is especially important for crops such as oilseed rape, where rapid establishment can help plants grow away from damage caused by cabbage stem flea beetle.
In NIAB greenhouse trials, Sea2Soil reduced feeding damage to oilseed rape leaves by 90% 12 days after application. Feeding damage to stems was reduced by 59% after 22 days.
Sea2Soil should not be viewed as a direct control for cabbage stem flea beetle. However, the results indicate that it may have a valuable place within a broader establishment strategy that also considers drilling date, soil moisture, crop nutrition and local pest pressure.
For winter cereals, oilseeds and pulses, Sea2Soil is best applied early, while the crop is germinating or beginning to establish.
It can be used:
pre-drilling, applied directly to the soil;
after drilling but before crop emergence; or
post-emergence, as soon after drilling as conditions allow.
The standard application rate for winter crops is 10L/ha, subject to crop-specific recommendations and agronomic advice.
Sea2Soil is compatible with a range of plant protection and crop nutrition products, allowing it to be incorporated into existing field operations where appropriate. Growers should confirm compatibility before creating any new tank mix and follow the recommended guidance for each product.
There is no single input that can guarantee successful establishment. Seed-bed condition, drilling timing, soil moisture, pest pressure and the weather that follows will all influence crop performance.
However, growers can take steps to give young plants a stronger starting point.
Using the remaining warmth and returning moisture of early autumn to support soil biology can help improve nutrient cycling, root development and crop vigour before winter. It is a proactive approach: building resilience while conditions are favourable, rather than waiting until the crop is under pressure.
With weather patterns becoming increasingly difficult to predict, that capacity to establish strongly and withstand change is likely to become an even more important part of winter crop management.
For crop-specific application guidance and further information about incorporating Sea2Soil into an autumn nutrition programme, visit our Application Guide or speak to your agronomist or distributor.
Cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) remains one of the biggest barriers to reliable winter oilseed rape (WOSR) establishment. While pressure varies year to year, CSFB is consistently capable of causing significant early plant loss and uneven crops. With fewer effective control tools available, attention is increasingly turning to fundamental changes that can be made during establishment — from prioritising soil health to using integrated approaches that help crops tolerate stress and reduce the impact of early feeding.
Research carried out at NIAB’s greenhouse testing facility in Cambridge has explored whether a fish hydrolysate application could influence CSFB feeding behaviour during the most vulnerable growth stages. The work focused on young, establishing oilseed rape plants and assessed damage to cotyledons, leaves and stems compared to untreated controls.
In the trials, applications of Sea2Soil were associated with reduced feeding damage across multiple plant parts, with NIAB reporting reductions versus untreated plants of 32% on cotyledons, 90% on leaves and 59% on stems.
Importantly, the results suggest timing plays a key role in any potential benefit. Sea2Soil applied at half, full and double field rates, with a full field rate for WOSR referenced as 10L/ha, showed a significant reduction in CSFB feeding on cotyledons within two days of application. The same application rates were also linked to lower cotyledon feeding damage for up to seven days after application, with indications that this cover may last until cotyledons senesce.
Adrian Harris, NIAB Lead Researcher, commented: “Sea2Soil showed a significant reduction in the feeding of cabbage stem flea beetles on cotyledons within two days of application – several different rates showed a reduction in feeding damage up to seven days after application and may convey cover until they senesce.”
The NIAB findings form part of Sea2Soil’s wider research and development programme, which has seen the product involved in collaborative research with a number of leading UK organisations over a four-year period. This long-term trials work has been important in building a clearer picture of Sea2Soil’s wider role in soil health, plant growth and crop resilience.
Guy Gibson, trials agronomist at Enhanced Efficacy, said long-term trials work, high-quality research and key indicators are crucial to assessing the overall success of Sea2Soil as a soil improver and improving understanding of the product’s wider capabilities.
Although this latest work is focused on pest feeding, it sits within a broader conversation about building establishment resilience. Early season crop performance is tightly linked to nutrition availability, root development and soil function, particularly where crops face multiple stresses at once, including drought, waterlogging, pest pressure and disease risk.
Sea2Soil’s wider impact on soil activity and biology is already being explored through indicators such as worm counts, pH, carbon retention, organic matter, soil moisture and porosity. These wider soil-health benefits are particularly relevant as growers look for approaches that can support resilient crop establishment across conventional, regenerative and organic farming systems.
Liz Brown, Sales Manager at Pelagia, added: “We see Sea2Soil as far more than a natural source of nitrogen and amino acids, but as a soil prebiotic that leads to a healthier soil environment, better crop health and confers increased resilience to environmental and other crop stresses which are becoming more prevalent in UK farming season on season.”
With volatility continuing across global markets, disruption to UK fertiliser costs and supply into 2027 remains a live concern. As a UK-sourced and manufactured input that supports nitrogen and amino acid supply as well as soil biology, Sea2Soil offers farmers an alternative solution ahead of the autumn season — not only to help minimise the potential impact of these global issues on yield, but also on input costs and margins.
For growers and Sea2Soil’s UK distribution partners, the NIAB findings offer a useful addition to the evidence base around establishment support in winter oilseed rape. The Sea2Soil team is also planning to extend its research trials in the 2026/27 season, continuing to explore how fish hydrolysate applications can support crop resilience at key establishment timings.
Spring finally feels as though it has arrived, but with many fields coming into the season off the back of wet winter weather that saturated soils, managing and improving soil biology, now, is a top priority.
With conditions improving, farmers are being presented with the opportunity to boost soil health and optimise nutrition early in newly growing crops. Unlocking underground activity is essential when it comes to optimising soil health; future success doesn’t always start where you can see it!
Soil testing in spring can be a good way to determine the state of soils and help growers identify the levels of bacteria, fungi and protozoa in soils to give an indication of the health of their underground livestock. Taking this view ahead of spring management work is also being seen to help offset overheads traditionally spent on synthetic fertilisers.
There’s no escaping the volatility of fertiliser prices currently, with reports far and wide reflecting how geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to intensify their impact on market value. The disruption of supply chains into the UK is a distinct possibility, meaning premiums have increased across gas, oil and freight markets. And, with the UK being highly dependent on the Middle East for key input imports, especially fertiliser, there are risks that costs could increase as production reduces, ultimately impacting prices and margins for farmers tied into fertiliser-dependent cropping systems.
Will Marris, Regenerative Agronomist & Soil Consultant at Terrafarmer, said: “With the recent sharp rise in nitrogen price, improving efficiency this season will be vital. Soil improvers, in my case Sea2Soil, help by feeding amino acids into the soil and plants, and feed biology to help with nutrient cycling. We have used Sea2Soil for a number of years at Terrafamer and have always been impressed with the results. Last year, we put it to the test during the Terrafarmer Biologicals Project on 5 farms across Wales. It showed good improvements to soil biological indicators, alongside forage quality and leaf nutrient content. At the farm at home and other customers’ farms, I have found Sea2Soil drives clover growth in grass/clover or diverse leys. Applying S2S seems to drive clover above-ground biomass, but more importantly, drives nodulation (nodule formation and size, alongside the trace minerals, calcium/boron/molybdenum, required to fix atmospheric N into plant available forms) to increase clover’s N fixation. Sea2Soil has become a vital component in my foliar nitrogen mixes, providing a carbon source to buffer the urea and feed plant available amino acids into the leaf to drive growth and, more importantly, nitrogen use efficiency. In an arable context, I use it as part of my pest management strategy, for example, 10L/Ha at 2-3 leaf in cereals to help manage aphids and prime soil biology, alongside balanced nutrition. If farmers are looking to try a foliar nitrogen approach, then the addition of a product like this one is a fundamental part of a successful system.”
For cereals and oilseeds, fertiliser is one of the highest variable costs for crop production, and if fertiliser prices were to rise sharply, farm application rates could decrease as a result, potentially impacting yields and margins. Grass-based dairy or beef systems also remain exposed to fertiliser price volatility. One way in which growers could shield their farm businesses from these threats or lessen the impact is to apply a soil improver, such as Sea2Soil, to reduce the amount of synthetic NPK fertiliser required for each crop, as Grant James, Business Development Consultant for Sea2Soil explains: “Overall synthetic fertiliser reductions of up to 20-25% are realistic and possible in many situations through careful and planned use of Sea2Soil in a programmed approach. In some systems, where other regenerative and biological approaches are combined, reductions in fertiliser use could become even higher. Vitally, the health of the soil is improved at the same time, which is invaluable, so it’s a great option for growers.”
Products like Sea2Soil can be a good choice for feeding both crops and soil microorganisms, such as beneficial bacteria, which in turn release additional soil nutrients to continue feeding growing crops. Revitalising biological activity in soils fosters an environment in treated soils where beneficials, including earthworms, thrive, helping improve soil aeration, release nutrients in bioavailable form to plants, increase plant resilience to stress, and promote healthy crop growth.
This is not a flash-in-the-pan solution; the process can take time, depending on soil conditions, moisture and temperature. In most spring crops, it is far better to apply the product while the crop is young and first establishing, to provide an optimal boost of essential nutrition exactly when the crop really needs it.
As a useful source of key macronutrients and micronutrients, the right product can also help counter any leaching losses of soil nutrients like nitrogen and sulphur over the winter period, where surface water or saturated topsoil can wash away vital nutrition held in upper soils layers. These upper layers which hold the phosphorus, nitrogen and carbon will help overwintered crops or newly sown spring crops kickstart their spring growth or establishment. More farmers are starting to use the product very cost-effectively to reduce N fertiliser inputs, help soils thrive and reduce crop stress.
James Bucher, of Bucher Farms in Suffolk, added: “We’ve had great success in reducing our synthetic inputs with fish hydrolysate. As a multi-nutrient organic fertiliser and soil feed, it really suits our regenerative farming system. At Knettishall, we apply fish hydrolysate several times through the spring/early summer; we see positive crop responses and many more earthworms than we had before we started using it.”
Colin Chappell, of Chappell Farms in North Lincolnshire, commented: “We use fish hydrolysate in three ways. The main one has traditionally been to 'apologise' for moving the soil. In the early transitional years of direct drilling, when there may be a need for low-disturbance subsoiling, we need to feed soil microbes so they don't begin to destroy soil organic matter. You are providing them with another food source. Once through that stage, we are attempting to correct the soil microdome from one that has become bacterial dominant to one where you enable protozoa to feed on the bacteria, creating a more balanced or even fungal-dominant structure, again by feeding the soil microbes. We do this by adding Sea2Soil to a cocktail that can be placed around the seed at drilling. Thirdly, we have noticed how quickly plants absorb fish hydrolysate as a food source. Unlike artificial fertiliser, which has to be processed within the plant and thus has an initial energy-hungry phase, weakening cell structures, Sea2Ssoil, with its high volume of amino acids, quickly gets into the crop and can rectify deficiencies and combat things like cabbage stem flea beetle in oilseed rape. By creating a more balanced plant, the need for higher volumes of nitrate can be offset.”
A fish hydrolysate, packed with natural amino acids and fatty acids derived from its natural fish oil content, Sea2Soil is rich in essential nutrients N (5% organic Nitrogen equivalent to several KG/ha of synthetic Nitrgoen), P and K, and also provides calcium, magnesium and other trace elements in bioavailable form, establishing a good basis for crop nutritional plans to suit all farming systems; conventional, organic or regenerative.
Versatility and ease of use are crucial to successful take-up of the product, continues Grant: “Being compatible in tank mix with a wide range of plant protection products and the ability to apply multiple applications during the growing season ensures flexibility for growers. In winter-sown crops, a split timing approach of autumn followed by early spring has been the most effective. In spring-sown crops, applying pre-drilling, pre-emergence or as soon after drilling as possible works very well.”
Making the most of organic materials, like the fish hydrolysate found in Sea2Soil, is already proving a beneficial step for growers looking to balance the real risks associated with the cost and availability of synthetic fertilisers this season.
Season One of The Sea2Soil Podcast is complete! Across six episodes, we’ve heard from six expert voices and listened to their insights into the future of soil health and regenerative farming.
And what a journey it's been. From conservation agriculture principles to real-world regenerative systems, from microbial activity to amino acid applications, we’ve explored the challenges and opportunities facing modern farming through honest, expert-led conversations.
Hosted by our Business Development Manager, Grant James, each episode brought together leading voices from across the UK and Europe to tackle the questions that matter most to growers, agronomists, and farm advisors working to build healthier, more resilient farming systems.
What we covered
We kicked off with Steve Townsend from Soil First Farming, who set the tone by explaining why chemistry, physics, and biology must work together for truly healthy soils. Steve’s insights into conservation agriculture and the role of BASE-UK in farmer-led knowledge exchange reminded us that sustainable change happens through community and shared learning.
Regen Ben opened the doors to his Herefordshire farm in Episode Two, showing us regenerative farming in action. His candid discussion about profitability, biodiversity gains, and how Sea2Soil fits into his system across cereals, potatoes, and agroforestry proved that regenerative practices and commercial success can go hand-in-hand.
In Episode Three, James Warne from Soil First Farming introduced us to the concept of ‘underground livestock’, exploring how feeding soil microorganisms is just as crucial as feeding the crops above ground. His practical advice on boosting microbial activity gave listeners tangible steps to improve soil health from the ground up.
Joel Williams delivered a masterclass in Episode Four, breaking down the science of amino acids and soil conditioners. His expert knowledge on application timing, particularly heading into autumn, offered invaluable guidance for growers looking to enhance soil fertility and build long-term productivity.
Episode Five took us to Claydon Farms with Simon Revell, where we explored two years of Sea2Soil trials alongside the Claydon Opti-Drill System. Simon’s insights into establishment technology, soil structure, and upcoming Net Zero trial work with Nottingham University showed the exciting direction farm innovation is heading.
We closed the season with Marian Dichevski, who gave us a window into farming in Bulgaria and across Europe. Marian’s perspective on climate challenges, drought conditions, and the growing need for products like Sea2Soil in European markets reminded us that soil health is a global conversation.
The bigger picture
Running through every episode, however, was a commitment to practical, implementable knowledge. These weren’t theoretical discussions. They were field-based insights from people working directly with soils, facing real challenges and finding real solutions that are already working in their fields.
Whether you’re exploring regenerative practices for the first time or fine-tuning an established hybrid system, this podcast season offered something for everyone.
To our guests: thank you for your time, your expertise, and your willingness to share openly about both successes and challenges. Your contributions have created a resource that will support farmers and advisors for seasons to come.
To everyone who listened, subscribed, and shared episodes: thank you for being part of this community. The feedback we’ve received has been genuinely encouraging, and it’s clear these conversations are resonating with people working to farm better, smarter, and more sustainably.
What’s next?
All six episodes remain available to stream on Spotify and watch on YouTube. If you missed any along the way, now’s the perfect time to catch up. Each episode stands alone, so dive in wherever your interests lie.
As for what comes next, watch this space. The conversations around soil health and regenerative farming are far from over, and we’re committed to continuing to bring expert voices and practical insights to the community. 2026 is already looking very exciting…
Keeping winter crops healthy to set up well for early spring 2026 looks to be even more vital this season given the very rapid establishment and initial crop growth around UK farms this autumn.
Winter crops including cereals, oilseeds and pulses have established extremely well on the whole this season in response to being drilled into good seedbeds, with sufficient moisture and relatively mild temperatures, which encouraged rapid germination and early growth conditions.
This pronounced early growth and extra plant biomass that many crops now have will need careful subsequent management over the coming winter period, especially as they head into early spring next year. Forward crops can very easily suffer as they come out of winter if sufficient nutrition, a healthy soil environment and soil microbiome is lacking.
A critical stage for crop growth and development, ensuring good soil health and correct plant nutrition before the onset of new spring growth will be essential to enhance and protect yields and profitability. All in the hope of avoiding a repeat of lower yielding crops in 2025.
Of course, we cannot predict what the weather will do next year but, experience tells us that increasing the health and resilience of our soils, through use of soil amendments like Sea2Soil, is getting more important each year as we see changing climatic patterns. Helping crops through difficult periods and extremes of drought, heat or flooding is a part of farm management that is becoming more vital.
“Feeding the soil is part and parcel of feeding the crops. Ensuring good soil health by applying Sea2Soil in early spring feeds the underground livestock in our soils, fostering beneficial microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and protozoa, and earthworms, which in turn help support more resilient crops,” says Grant James, UK Business Development Manager, Sea2Soil.
Split applications of Sea2Soil are recommended for all winter crops in both early autumn and early spring. This coincides with some of the most important periods in a crop’s life, where the first 30-60 days help a crop establish, develop shoots and roots in autumn before the main phase of growth and development in the crop kicks in during the early spring, once soil and air temperatures begin to rise after winter.
“Sea2Soil promotes a biologically active soil substrate, so the soil has better aeration, can retain moisture and releases nutrients in a bio-available form to plants, contributing to better stress tolerance in plants and promoting healthy growth of crops,” explains Grant James.
Cereal crops in particular can be vulnerable at these key stages if sufficient nutrition and soil health is not in place in soils to support them. Application of Sea2Soil is versatile and can be combined with other inputs such as early T0 spring fungicides, early spring herbicides or other crop nutrition applications.
Sea2Soil fish hydrolysate is a versatile soil improver that can be utilised by both the soil microbiome and the plant directly and contains a full range of naturally balanced amino acids and fatty acids. Rich in essential macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, the product also provides vital micronutrients like calcium, magnesium and other trace elements in a bioavailable formulation, establishing a good basis for any crop nutritional plan. All these nutrients play a critical role in plant growth and development phases in the spring, flowering and yield-set. Helping the soil early this spring really will help the crops deliver healthier growth, yields and quality.
To find out more about early spring applications of Sea2Soil in either winter crops or ahead of establishing spring crops, please contact Grant James:
T: 07976 879646