ORGANIC SOIL IMPROVER: Providing a full nutritional profile for you soil to make it healthier and more productive
The countdown to Groundswell 2025 is on, and for Sea2Soil customers current and new that means one thing - The Great Groundswell Giveaway!
For the first time, Sea2Soil is giving farmers and growers the chance to win two tickets to Groundswell 2025, plus accommodation for the night of July 2nd.
But now, there’s an exciting new twist - you can boost your chances of winning with extra entries!
How to get your extra entry
The referral element of the competition is now officially live, meaning you can increase your chances of winning by referring a friend. Here’s how it works:
More entries mean more chances to win, so spread the word and get sharing!
What is a valid referral?
A valid referral must be a genuine contact of yours who is interested in discussing how Sea2Soil can be introduced into their operations. If our team successfully connects with your referral, your additional entry will be entered.
Why Enter?
Groundswell isn’t just an event - it’s an experience. From hands-on demonstrations and expert talks to vibrant networking opportunities, it’s a must-attend for anyone serious about improving soil health and embracing regenerative practices. Wouldn’t it be even better if you could attend both days free of charge? What’s more…
Joel Williams returns to the Sea2Soil Stand DF E40
Alongside the giveaway, independent plant and soil health educator and Groundswell Speaker Joel Williams will once again be joining the Sea2Soil team on stand at Groundswell 2025 to deliver insightful, engaging sessions.
Following his highly successful appearance in 2024, Joel returns to discuss the role of amino acids in farming and the benefits of these forms of Nitrogen. With soil health being a hot topic in regenerative agriculture, this is a must-see talk for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of sustainable nutrient management.
With record attendance expected at Groundswell this year, the Sea2Soil team is looking forward to welcoming visitors across the two-day event. On both days, Sea2Soil will also host a 30-minute talk on Soil Health by Joel Williams, where attendees can hear expert insights from one of the leading voices in the industry.
Visit Sea2Soil at Groundswell 2025 on Stand DF E40.
Don’t miss out on your chance to win – enter now and start referring for extra entries!
📍 Join us at Groundswell 2025
🔗 Enter The Great Groundswell Giveaway here.
Following Sea2Soil’s announcement last year that it had received full organic accreditation with the Organic Farmers & Growers C.I.C, Sea2Soil has now received the exciting news of OF/SI Approval from Scottish Government.
This recent approval from Scottish Ministers classifies the Sea2Soil product as an Organic Fertiliser/Soil Improver, manufactured at Pelagia’s Bressay plant from processed fish proteins.
This new accreditation approval now sits alongside Sea2Soil’s existing Organic use status with the UK Soil Association and Organic Farmers & Growers as a certified product for use in both their approved input schemes run in the UK.
As a high-quality, cost-effective soil improver packed full of natural nutrients and amino acids which work in harmony with regenerative and all farming techniques, Sea2Soil is helping growers uncover the hidden benefits of improving soil biology and maintaining healthy soils to farm.
Sea2Soil offers valuable flexibility for growers and fits in well with all farming systems; approved for use across conventional and organic situations to improve your soils and promote natural, sustainable crop growth. At the same time, it can help reduce other inputs such as the use of synthetic Nitrogen and improve bottom-line returns.
To find out more information www.sea2soil.co.uk or contact Grant James directly: grant.james@pelagia.com
If you're passionate about regenerative agriculture, Groundswell 2025 will already be in your calendar! But thanks to Sea2Soil, you could be there for free this year!
What is Groundswell?
Often described as the ‘Glastonbury of the regenerative agriculture world,’ Groundswell is the go-to event for farmers, growers, and soil health enthusiasts dedicated to sustainable farming practices. It’s where industry leaders, innovators, and forward-thinking farmers come together to share ideas, discuss best practices, and explore the future of regenerative agriculture.
Sea2Soil has proudly attended Groundswell for the past three years, and in 2025, the team is inviting you to join them!
What’s up for grabs?
Sea2Soil will be giving one lucky winner:
How can you enter?
It’s simple - we’ll do it for you!
✅ If you’ve made a purchase from Sea2Soil between January 1st, 2024, and June 1st, 2025, you will automatically be entered into the prize draw.
✅ Want to improve your odds? For every successful referral you make, you’ll receive an additional entry. All you’ll need to do to claim your extra entry is complete our referral form when the competition launches. Add your contact details and the details of a friend or colleague who’s interested in learning how Sea2Soil can improve their operations. If our team successfully connects with your referral, you’ll bag another entry!
Key dates
Why Groundswell?
Groundswell isn’t just an event — it’s an experience. From hands-on demonstrations and expert talks to vibrant networking opportunities, it’s a must-attend for anyone serious about improving soil health and embracing regenerative practices.
Whether you’re a Sea2Soil customer already or thinking about trying it for the first time, this competition is your golden ticket to an unforgettable experience.
Get ready to join us at Groundswell 2025 - we can’t wait to see you there!
As inorganic urea fertiliser prices rise, a timely reminder for growers to harness the benefits of utilising cost-effective and highly plant-available organic nitrogen sources
News from traders that urea prices have lifted by almost £40/T in the past month, now approaching £445-450/T delivered on farm in recent weeks, follows what has been a much quieter period in 2024 for fertiliser markets, when urea prices remained closer to £360/T for the majority of the year.
With fertiliser markets fluctuating since the year began, price rises appear to be mirroring the increased demand for gas and the decreasing global supply. With storage levels of gas in the UK and Europe at lower levels than considered normal for this time of year, traders are rightfully growing concerned about supply issues.
With quite high variability in winter crops coming into the critical spring period (following later autumn drilling and wet weather affecting field conditions) some crops are already behind. Looking to take advantage of premium quality organic Nitrogen sources would be a beneficial step for many growers this spring, whether conventional or organic growers.
Sea2Soil is one such source. It provides a great source of natural, organic nitrogen, so kick-start your winter cereal crops or early spring-sown crops with a 5% organic Nitrogen source, worth around 100/units of inorganic synthetic nitrogen fertiliser.
Sea2Soil feeds soil micro-organism populations. The micro-organisms release nutrients from the soil, which feed the crop plants. This can take time, depending on the soil conditions such as temperature and moisture levels, so it is better to apply the product while the crop is young.
This gives growers as much of an advantage as possible, supporting the crop when it really needs it. For optimal application timing, apply Sea2Soil early in the crop’s life, to get the soil micro-organisms going as soon as possible. Spray in 100-200L/ha of water.
“We are very excited about these results and are keen to move forward with our distribution plan. Sea2Soil is a very active fish hydrolysate, produced in Scotland from responsibly resourced unused fish by-products and delivered directly to farms throughout the UK. To be able to take this ground-breaking product out to distributors backed by proven data is invaluable.”
Grant James, Business Development Manager at Sea2Soil
Winter cereals: Spray 10L/ha pre-emergence, or as soon after drilling as possible. Follow up with 10L/ha early in the spring as soon as you can travel. It is better to spray while the crop leaf area is small. For split applications we recommend 5 L/ha @GS30 followed by 5 L/ha @GS31-32
Winter oilseed rape: Spray 10L/ha pre-emergence, or as soon after drilling as possible. Follow up with 5 L/ha in the autumn (4-6 leaves). Then a further 5 L/ha in the spring before stem elongation.
Spring cereals, oilseed rape: Spray 10L/ha on backward cereal crops as soon as possible. Spray 10L/ha pre-emergence, or as soon after drilling as possible on OSR. Follow up with 5 or 10L/ha before stem elongation on winter cereals.
Organic growers need to quantify the amount of organic Nitrogen they add to their soil ecosystems in the same manner that conventional growers use inorganic Nitrogen units to calculate their Nitrogen requirements. Conventional growers looking to use Sea2Soil to supplement fertiliser use and/or reduce their reliance on synthetic Nitrogen fertilisers also need to understand what the product brings to the table.
Testing has shown that each ton of organic material with 1% Nitrogen content will provide the equivalent of 20 units of Nitrogen. Sea2Soil provides a great source of natural, organic Nitrogen. It contains 5% organic Nitrogen, which is worth around 100/units of inorganic synthetic Nitrogen fertiliser.
The efficiency of use by the plant is also much more favourable with organic Nitrogen sources, so this adds to the advantages that utilising sources of organic Nitrogen brings to growers. In comparison, a lot of inorganic Nitrogen can be left in the soil unused by the plant. Research indicates that plants seem to be more inclined to use organic Nitrogen than inorganic sources, making the organic variation a more beneficial plant-available form of Nitrogen.
Some caution is needed as organic Nitrogen sources will also vary in their efficiency in terms of ‘plant availability’ in the soil, meaning a range of response curves are possible with organic sources too. Using a very high-quality organic source, such as that derived from fish hydrolysate in Sea2Soil (along with all the other beneficial nutrients and amino acids in the product) is a great starting point for many crops this spring.
“Sea2Soil showed a significant reduction in the feeding of cabbage stem flea beetles on cotyledons within 2 days of application – several different rates showed a reduction in feeding damage up to 7 to days after application and may convey cover until they senesce.”
Adrian Harris BS, MSc from NIAB
Synthetic, inorganic Nitrogen sources are of a totally different nature than organic Nitrogen. The term organic in this context should not be confused with its broader usage in ‘organic growing’. In this context, it refers to the carbon nature of its molecular structure. Inorganic Nitrogen, found in Nitrite, Nitrate, and ammonium forms, does not have Carbon in its molecule. Synthetic, inorganic Nitrogen is usually found dissolved or in a readily water-soluble form. Due to the unstable nature of synthetic Nitrogen, it easily volatilises into the atmosphere or is lost in ground or surface water.
Research studies have, in fact, revealed that 50%+ of nutrients from inorganic synthetic Nitrogen fertilisers can be lost into the atmosphere or into surface or ground water. This would indicate that inorganic Nitrogen unit rates need to be considered to allow for this inefficiency of use. For example, using 100 synthetic Nitrogen units, may only result in 50 units being actually used by plants, demonstrating a comparably low efficiency.
Organic Nitrogen, however, is much more efficient in providing Nitrogen nutrition to crops than inorganic sources. Less research work has been conducted on determining what are the levels of efficiency of organic Nitrogen in plant growth when compared to an inorganic variety. Some research work in the US in the sports turf amenity sector indicated that high-efficiency organic Nitrogen fertilisers provided a 200% greater level of effectiveness than inorganic synthetic fertilisers used.
While less industry-wide research has been carried out in relation to the efficacy of organic Nitrogen, key findings from recent studies Sea2Soil has commissioned with NIAB and The University of Nottingham – combining both farm-set trials and a non-replicated conventional study – have produced incredible results. Testing Sea2Soils’ efficacy against cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) damage as well as its impact on worm count, pH, carbon retention, moisture, porosity, and organic matter, these studies have proven that Sea2Soil can:
· Reduce CSFB damage to cotyledons by 32%
· Reduce CSFB damage to leaves by 90%
· Reduce CSFB damage to stems by 59%
· Increase earthworm numbers by 1.85M worms/Ha - 5 times the control
· Increase Soil Organic Matter content to 9.1% vs 6.7% (control soils)
· 1.2% increase in soil carbon content
“These results indicate substantial impacts for Sea2Soil on soil physical, chemical and biological properties, likely to benefit crop production. We have identified significant increases in earthworm abundance organic content, pH, soil moisture and porosity.”
Dr Nick Girkin from The University of Nottingham
Following the announcement of this exciting data, Sea2Soil is now continuing its work with both the Nottingham University Soil Department and NIAB into 2025 to further explore the capabilities of the product through replicated studies as well as extended field trials, respectively.
*Source acknowledgement: John B. Marler
As the end of 2024 and the seasonal festivities approach, a little too quickly might we add, we couldn’t think of a better time to reflect on what the last 12 months have brought Sea2Soil, and the journey we’ve been on this year.
It’s safe to say it’s been a year of growth in every sense of the word. From expanding our team and the capabilities and content on our website to getting the brand and product benefits out there in industry press, hosting events and attending them too, not forgetting onboarding distributors, agronomists and farmers looking to boost their soil health, embrace regen farming methods and enhance their commercial processes too.
Trials and research: Partnering with NIAB and The University of Nottingham
A big highlight for us this year was working with both The National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) and The University of Nottingham to conduct key trials and studies - proving the efficacy of sea2Soil.
At The University of Nottingham’s test farm, Sea2Soil was applied at its recommended dose for two years in a non-replicated conventional study. The study measured its impact on worm count, pH levels, carbon retention, moisture, porosity, and organic matter.
While at NIAB’s greenhouse testing facility, Sea2Soil was tested for its effectiveness as a natural deterrent to cabbage stem flea beetle.
These results underscore Sea2Soil’s potential to improve soil health and sustainability while addressing the challenges farmers are facing.
Events: Connecting with the industry
Cereals 2024: The summer season kicked off with Cereals 2024, the first major agricultural event on the calendar. It was the ideal opportunity to engage with farmers, agronomists, and industry leaders about Sea2Soil’s role in sustainable farming. Always a great way to start events season, this year the Sea2Soil team was proudly sporting a new(ish) look - with updated exhibition collateral and new graphics, designed to explain how Sea2SOil works, when to use it and why.
Groundswell 2024: Having first launched Sea2Soil at Groundswell 2022, we were delighted to return again this year. Groundswell 2024 delivered fresh conversations with new customers, alongside meaningful catch-ups with existing users of Sea2Soil who are already reaping the benefits it offers. It’s always rewarding to hear firsthand how Sea2Soil is making a difference.
While regenerative farming, and all the practices that go with it, is still very much growing in uptake, the passion that exists when it comes to spreading the word about how much regen practices can benefit your work on-farm and enhance commercial farming practices too is vast. You’ll struggle to find a better champion of regen farming than Joel Williams, which is why it has been such a pleasure to collaborate with him once again this year. Together, we managed to achieve…
The year ahead: Exciting plans for 2025
Building on the momentum of the past year, as a team Sea2Soil is looking forward to 2025 with excitement and a healthy dose of optimism. Here’s a glimpse of what’s to come:
These events are non-negotiable for us and are just the tip of the iceberg for 2025. Events are always an investment; invaluable for fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and showcasing how Sea2Soil can support forward-thinking farmers in their sustainability journeys.
Sea2Soil announces results of recent studies with NIAB and The University of Nottingham
Pelagia UK’s fish hydrolysate brand, Sea2Soil, is excited to announce key findings from its 2024 season farm-set trials and non-replicated conventional study in collaboration with the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) and The University of Nottingham respectively.
Testing Sea2Soils’ efficacy against cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) damage as well as its impact on worm count, pH, carbon retention, moisture, porosity, and organic matter, these trials have proven that Sea2Soil can:
Beginning at the start of the 2024 season, the non-replicated conventional study took place at The University of Nottingham’s test farm - where Sea2Soil had been applied in its recommended dose for three years, to gather data on Sea2Soil’s impact on worm count, pH, carbon retention, moisture, porosity, and organic matter - while trials were being run at NIAB’s greenhouse testing facility - where Sea2Soil was tested as a deterrent to cabbage stem flea beetle.
“We are very excited about these results and are keen to move forward with our distribution plan. Sea2Soil is a very active fish hydrolysate, produced in Scotland from responsibly resourced unused fish by-products and delivered directly to farms throughout the UK. To be able to take this ground-breaking product out to distributors backed by proven data is invaluable.”
Grant James, Business Development Manager at Sea2Soil
“These results indicate substantial impacts for Sea2Soil on soil physical, chemical and biological properties, likely to benefit crop production. We have identified significant increases in earthworm abundance organic content, pH, soil moisture and porosity.”
Dr Nick Girkin from The University of Nottingham
“Sea2Soil showed a significant reduction in the feeding of cabbage stem flea beetles on cotyledons within 2 days of application – several different rates showed a reduction in feeding damage up to 7 to days after application and may convey cover until they senesce.”
Adrian Harris BS, MSc from NIAB
“We see Sea2Soil as far more than a natural source of nitrogen, but as a soil prebiotic that leads to a healthier soil environment, and better crop health with an increase in microbial activity. For the past three years, we have been refining our process to produce this product, a product we can proudly say delivers on yield responses, reduces reliance on chemical inputs and is farmer friendly, as backed by research.”
Dr Geraldine Fox, Technical Director at Pelagia Ltd
Conducting greenhouse trials NIAB has been comparing the effects Sea2Soil treated soil has on plant tissues (cotyledons, leaves, stems) from one to 22 days after treatment vs untreated soil. NIAB found:
The research found that:
Playing an essential role in agriculture due to their noted key functions - soil aeration, nutrient recycling, improved soil structure, microbial activity stimulation and carbon sequestration; earthworms likely recognising the amino acids and fatty acids in Sea2Soil soil as an easily digestible and nutritious food source.
A critical property of soil that refers to the volume of pore spaces between soil particles, which can be filled with air or water, the size and distribution of these pores have significant implications for various soil functions including maintaining a balance of water, air, and nutrients within the soil, all of which are essential for plant growth, soil health, and the overall functioning of terrestrial ecosystems.
The research demonstrated that soil that had been treated with Sea2Soil was more porous at the surface, and lower depths, far beneath the compaction ridge that forms during conventional farming methods.
During these trials, it was also discovered that soils treated with Sea2Soil saw a significant increase in soil organic matter content at 9.1% vs the control soils at 6.7%.
With attention around soil carbon content and capture only increasing, playing a critical role in agricultural sustainability and climate mitigation, this phase of research took the time to analyse and explore any potential impact Sea2Soil has.
These findings are particularly exciting, with the change of 1.2% actually being a substantial shift considering the comparatively short time period Sea2Soil has been detectable in the soil.
Following the announcement of this exciting data, Sea2Soil will be continuing its work with both the Nottingham University Soil Department and NIAB into 2025 to further explore the capabilities of the product through replicated studies as well as extended field trials, respectively.
In light of these results, Sea2Soil is also excited to announce it has new opportunities available for distributors to join their network. Any interested parties are encouraged to register their interest with Grant at grant.james@pelagia.com or by calling 07976 879646.
Regenerative farming is undoubtedly a hot topic. And while it may still be deemed as a ‘forward-thinking approach’ by the industry at large, regenerative farming has emerged as a significant trend for a significant reason.
Not only does it promise to revitalise soil health and biodiversity but also aligns with corporate sustainability goals. Addressing soil health with a solution that prioritises microbial activity needs to take priority as we look ahead to next year, the question is, how are you going to embrace it?
Containing a full range of naturally balanced amino acids, fatty acids and an array of macro and micronutrients, Sea2Soil - the UK’s first liquid fish hydrolysate product for use as an organic soil improver developed by Pelagia - is approved by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and by the Soil Association for organic farming systems.
The product works by feeding the soil bacteria that convert the macro and micro-nutrients contained in the hydrolysate into a form that is more readily available to the plants. In turn, the improved microbial population feeds secondary and higher-level soil life such as protozoa, nematodes, and earthworms which work to improve soil structure by aerating the soil leading to better root development and reduction in abiotic stress. These micro-organisms also contribute to better soil nutrient availability within the soil.
“For the past three years we have been refining our process to produce an organic soil improver that is affordable, delivers on yield responses, reduces reliance on chemical inputs and is farmer friendly,” says Dr Geraldine Fox who led the development team at Pelagia. “We see Sea2Soil as far more than a natural source of nitrogen, but as a soil prebiotic that leads to a healthier soil environment; better crop health; a reduced reliance on synthetic fertilisers; and promotion of regenerative ecosystems.”
Benefitting from further investment this year, Sea2Soil recently completed second round trials with the Nottingham University Soil Department with results due to be available for the Autumn applications of Sea2Soil through UK distribution.
As the 2024 show season draws to a close, it’s time for our team to look back over the past few months and take stock of what we’ve learnt.
It’s hard to believe that just two years ago, Sea2Soil made its debut at Groundswell. Fast forward to 2024, and we headed to Hertfordshire to see what Cereals 2024 had in store.
It was fantastic to see some familiar faces as well as new ones - and that goes for the service providers and products that we were exhibiting alongside as well as the attendees. Despite some poor weather on the first day, the event still delivered valuable connections and business opportunities. But what truly made it worthwhile for the team was the high attendance of regenerative-minded businesses. Having the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of attendees, including agri students, farmers, and industry professionals, who showed keen interest in biodiversity and soil microbial activity, was where we found the value in Cereals.
We’re already booked in and looking forward to Cereals 2025, especially since it’s returning to Lincolnshire where we’ve found a higher level of engagement in previous years.
Moving onto Groundswell… An event that holds a special place in our hearts, as this is where Sea2Soil first launched, it’s always exciting to return to the Glastonbury of the agri world.
This year, Groundswell saw what might be a record attendance with more than 8,000 visitors reported. Our team had the pleasure of welcoming many farmers, growers, and agronomists to the Sea2Soil stand.
Building on what we have brought to groundswell in previous years, for 2024 we were thrilled to host renowned international soil expert Joel Williams on our stand who delivered a 30-minute talk on nitrogen utilisation in soils, an addition which certainly struck a chord with those who stopped by to listen.
Grant James, our Business Development Manager, shared: “Joel is a headline expert in our industry, and his knowledge on soil health and some of the latest research is truly exceptional. The technical insights, advice, and key messages he spoke about were extremely valuable for all the audience listening to the talk on the stand. We also had many useful conversations with other farmers and growers over the course of the two days, looking to find out more information about the Sea2Soil soil improver product.”
Our time at Groundswell also gave the team an insight into current advancements being made in soil testing technology, as we enjoyed informative technical talks around the BASE tent.
As we pack the marquees away for another year we’re already looking ahead to 2025 and how Sea2Soil can feature more on the events circuit over the months to come. While we make some plans, if you have any questions about your soil or how Sea2Soil can support soil health improvement on your farm, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team.
As events season in the agricultural world draws nearer, Sea2Soil is thrilled to announce its collaboration with independent plant and soil health educator and Groundswell Speaker - Joel Williams for the 2024 event.
Sea2Soil - the UK’s first fish hydrolysate-approved as an organic soil improver developed by Pelagia AS - is thrilled to announce that it has teamed up with independent, regenerative farming champion, Joel Williams, for Groundswell 2024.
Following a successful event last quarter, which saw Joel and Sea2Soil deliver a talk, panel discussion and field walk hosted by Paul Davey at Girsby Farm, the duo are joining forces once again, this time to address the crowds at Groundswell.
Grant James, Business Development Director at Sea2Soil, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to confirm Joel’s attendance on our stand at Groundswell for 2024. After many months we have come to see Joel as an advocate of the work we’re doing here at Sea2Soil, to have his support at one of the biggest events in our calendar is a testament to the results our fish hydrolysate soil improver yields.”
Speaking about the collaboration and 2024 Groundswell Festival, Joel said: “I’ll be heading to Groundswell for the duration of the event, hosting talks and Q&A’s throughout the two days, but I’m also looking forward to being on Sea2soil’s stand too, talking to farmers and other attendees at Groundswell 2024, answering their questions and queries. I’ll be delivering a small presentation on the Sea2Soil stand (DF E41) as well, followed by a Q&A session.
“During my talk, I’ll be talking about the role of amino acids in farming and the benefits of these forms of nitrogen. A subject I am very passionate about and a big advocate for. So much change is afoot across the industry - especially as we enter this transitional phase of regen farming and changing regulatory aspects of the industry.”
Sea2Soil is excited to be attending Groundswell once again, and take this opportunity to keep farmers up-to-date with how it can provide support in a more sustainable regenerative way. With the appetite growing for regenerative farming - especially in relation to overall knowledge and product application - the Sea2Soil team is primed to support the farmers and distributors actively seeking out better ways to do things.
Joel continued: “The view on recipe farming is changing, people want to know what other approaches there are that also help them put the fun back into farming. The success of events such as Groundswell is a testament to exactly this. Knowledge is power; farmers know that if they want to drill down into a more sustainable way of farming, they also need to upskill. This is a fantastic opportunity for the industry to come and find out more.”
WHEN: June 11-12
WHERE: Bygrave Woods at Newnham Farm, Hertfordshire
STAND: 662b
A key occasion in the arable calendar, one that kickstarts the year, Cereals offers unmissable networking and educational opportunities. A unique event, showcasing the latest in arable farming, Cereals welcomes more than 17000 farmers and agronomists every year. With new zones, and service and product displays taking place throughout the two-day event, connect with 450 arable service and product providers including Sea2Soil.
WHEN: June 26-27
WHERE: Lannock Manor Farm, Lannock, Weston, Hitchin SG4 7EE
STAND: DF E41
Now in its eighth year, The Groundswell Festival was created by farmers for farmers - the perfect forum for anyone working in food production who is proactively looking to make their processes more environmentally informed and sustainable. This is THE place to learn about the theory and practical applications of regenerative farming systems - including all about Sea2Soil and how our organic soil improver made entirely from fish hydrolysate, the UK’s first no less, is supporting the drive towards regenerative farming.
The rainfall and flooding that has hit the UK recently have posed farmers up and down the UK with unprecedented challenges setting usual progress back immeasurably. Grant James, Business Development Manager at Sea2Soil says regenerative farming - which harnesses the natural capabilities of fish hydrolysate - could be the answer to boosting soil health and claw back lost time.
Following one of the wettest winters on record, adverse weather conditions have delayed arable and livestock farms from carrying out even the most basic of tasks, despite typically being the busiest time of the year.
As patience runs thin, while the weather peaks and rapidly troughs and farmers wait for the land’s water retention to subside, now is the time to explore exactly how regenerative farming utilising the natural soil-improving qualities of fish hydrolysate can support crop and soil health.
With crops under stress due to the prolonged, wet soil conditions, harnessing products such as Sea2Soil as the ground dries could set farmers back on the straight and narrow, by supporting stimulated root growth and plant health.
“For the past three years we have been refining our process to produce an organic soil improver that is affordable, delivers on yield responses, reduces reliance on chemical inputs and is farmer friendly,” says Dr Geraldine Fox who led the development team at Pelagia. “We see Sea2Soil as far more than a natural source of nitrogen, but as a soil prebiotic that leads to a healthier soil environment; better crop health; a reduced reliance on synthetic fertilisers; and promotion of regenerative ecosystems.”
Containing a full range of naturally balanced amino acids, fatty acids and an array of macro and micronutrients, Sea2Soil - the UK’s first liquid fish hydrolysate product for use as an organic soil improver developed by Pelagia - is approved by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and by the Soil Association for organic farming systems.
The product works by feeding the soil bacteria that convert the macro and micro-nutrients contained in the hydrolysate into a form that is more readily available to the plants. In turn, the improved microbial population feeds secondary and higher-level soil life such as protozoa, nematodes, and earthworms which work to improve soil structure by aerating the soil leading to better root development and reduction in abiotic stress. These macro-organisms also contribute to better soil nutrient availability within the soil.
Benefitting from further investment this year, Sea2Soil is currently undergoing a second phase of trials, building on the data set that was produced from the team’s initial field research.
In partnership with the Nottingham University Soil Department, Sea2Soil is investing time and money into how the product’s performance stacks up against traditional farming methods. By comparing regeneration agriculture with conventional agriculture practices we’re working to establish the level of microbial increase that using Sea2Soil encourages as it delivers the fungi/bacteria food underground livestock requires.
Both glasshouse and farm trials are in progress and will be used to establish short to long-term results on an independent basis to validate outputs. Due to be completed this summer the results should be available for the Autumn applications of Sea2Soil through UK distribution.
Alongside the trials taking place under the expert eye of the Nottingham University team, work is also underway with Eurofins looking at various compatibilities on a range of crops. Sea2Soil is collaborating with the world leader in testing for life, to establish tank mix compatibilities with various growth regulators, herbicides, fungicides and insecticides on a variation of crops - WW WB Spring Barley, OSR, Potatoes SB + grassland (silage).
Rates of application and crop timing are also being evaluated during the testing process Eurofins is undertaking on behalf of Sea2Soil.
This next phase of trials totals 14, a key investment for the Sea2Soil team as we work to establish and confirm the superior microbial activity, natural nitrogen abilities and nutrient absorption properties of our groundbreaking product.