ORGANIC SOIL IMPROVER: Providing a full nutritional profile for you soil to make it healthier and more productive
Terrafarmer-run farm trials, funded through an Innovate UK research project, are testing and comparing a range of different biological stimulants applied to grassland. Results so far have shown their potential to reduce inputs and improve grass quality.
How has Sea2Soil performed?
Sea2Soil fish hydrolysate delivers a wide range of plant-available amino acids, macronutrients and trace elements to both the crop and soil. Sea2Soil performed very highly in all trial measurements taken, including giving increases in kilograms of dry matter (DM)/ha, crude protein, trace element availability, and microbial biomass, when compared with a control treatment.
According to regenerative agronomist and soil consultant Will Marris at Terrafarmer, a number of products tested (including Sea2Soil) are improving crude proteins and sugar. “If that goes into a silage clamp, you’ve got more sugars for the fermentation process. If you get a better fermentation, you get better-quality forage.”
Out of 7 biological product treatments tested in the trials (over 7 different farm sites), Sea2Soil ranked No.1 and performed highest for crude protein improvement (at 136.225 g/kg) compared to all other products and the control treatment. Sea2Soil also ranked No.3 out of all treatments for improving microbial biomass in mid-season assessments taken. Each farm trial site used large 20 x 160m strips to test all treatments and baseline analysis measurements were taken for all products tested for comparative purposes.
Sea2Soil fish hydrolysate, as a naturally high source of protein and carbohydrate, is a perfect choice for improving soil biology. “By feeding the beneficial underground livestock in the soil i.e. the bacteria and fungi, these in turn are helping with the mobilisation of vital trace minerals such as boron, manganese, and magnesium,” says Grant James, Business Development Manager, Sea2Soil.
Soil, leaf, and forage tests from the trials show more of those nutrients being readily plant-available moving from the soil into the leaf, and therefore into the forage. “This could even reduce the need to supplement trace minerals given to livestock through licks or drenches,” suggests Will.
How biologicals like Sea2Soil work to benefit plants
Traditional fertilisers such as urea or ammonium nitrate prills have an efficiency rate of about 50%. By contrast, solubilised and foliar-applied alternatives can be almost twice as efficient, so less nitrogen is needed. “If foliar nitrogen is applied with biologicals such as molasses, fish hydrolysate, and fulvic acid, nitrogen use efficiency is improved, as you’re applying plant-available nitrogen to the leaf, which is a more direct route into the plant. That’s safer for the plant, but also beneficial and safer for the soil,” explains Will. “You’re feeding the plant and the soil at the same time, and the nitrogen doesn’t get lost via volatilisation or tied up in the carbon and nitrogen cycles in the soil.”
By applying biological and soluble fertilisers like Sea2Soil, farmers can build soil function and fertility, carbon and organic matter, all generally at reduced cost. “Biologicals are inherently more sustainable than a manufactured synthetic nitrogen source,” continues Will. “We’re not saying don’t use any, just try to use a bit less and make it more efficient.”
Valuable cost savings being realised
Using biological and foliar fertilisers can also bring significant cost savings. For example, a grass-based, multicut system might use 250kg/ha of nitrogen. Based on a standard urea application, using a 46% urea product, at a cost of 46p/kg, the cost would be £115/ha. Will explains: “Where we have added in two biological products, molasses and fish hydrolysate (Sea2Soil), to the foliar nitrogen mix, we had a saving of £5/ha,” he says. “A total cost of £110/ha to get a more efficient form of nitrogen into the plant, while reducing nitrogen use by 20%, is quite significant – and you’re feeding the soil.” He adds that nitrogen application rates can, over time, be reduced even further.
“You could easily reduce inputs starting at 25% to 50%, but that wants to be done over a few years in a managed reduction,” he advises. In addition, there is the potential for farmers to save on inputs such as mineral supplements because of the improved flow of nutrients from soil to forage with Sea2Soil and other biologicals.
Timing of application is important
The time of day and weather conditions can make a significant difference to the effectiveness of biologicals and foliar nitrogen, Will says: “If you’re looking at foliar nitrogen plus biologicals, it’s important to time your application right. Early in the morning is a good time, because that’s when the stomata are open.”
He adds that in the morning, especially, the plant will not be overly stressed, so is better at taking in the product, leading to greater efficiencies. While temperature is an important consideration, UV index and humidity should be considered first when applying biological fertilisers and foliar applications.
“When you have a high UV index, the plant is conserving moisture, and it’s not going to want to take in any nutrition,” says Will. “So the biological fertiliser or soluble nitrogen will sit on the leaf and can scorch or burn it, particularly if you’ve got urea in there. It’s best to apply these when the UV index is low and humidity is high. Humidity means moisture, and that means stomata are open to take in these products.”
Sea2Soil recommends applying the product to grassland in 2 or 3 split applications in early spring, mid-spring and late-spring or early summer, and it is also worth taking into consideration grazing cycles as well, so product application is timed around those periods, as Grant explains: “For grassland and herbal leys, applying Sea2Soil at 10 L/ha just before the start of the active spring growth period sets a good baseline and then follow-up with at least one repeat application in May.”
Multiple Sea2Soil foliar applications of 5-10 L/ha can be made in the season up to 3-6 times a year, and Terrafarmer trials work is showing that a ‘little but often’ approach to applications can work well in many grassland situations.
For more information about trials work with Sea2Soil or about using the product this season, please contact Grant James directly.
T: 07976 879646
Acknowledgments: Sea2Soil would like to acknowledge Terrafarmer Innovate-UK trials work and
FW / FWi 04 Nov 2025 article ‘Biological Stimulants: Are they good for grassland?’, read the full article here.
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
A highlight in the regenerative farming event calendar, this year’s Groundswell Festival didn’t disappoint, especially for Sea2Soil. After running its ‘The Great Groundswell Giveaway’ for the first time, Sea2Soil - the UK’s first fish hydrolysate organic soil improver - returned to the flagship event for regenerative agriculture with its competition winner, Doug Christie, agricologist and Pasture for Life member at Durie Farms in Fife.
The team took some time out to catch up with Doug and hear all about his recent experience of introducing the product into his farming systems in Fife.
“With a mixed farm of around 1500 acres, a mixture of organic land and conventional arable rotation, I have been farming with a regenerative ‘slant’ for a few years now,” said Doug. “Using methods such as direct drilling, cover crops, companion crops, crop rotation, and recently mob grazing with my native Aberdeen Angus crosses, this year I have also started implementing Sea2Soil.”
After attending a BASE seminar earlier in the year, hearing from Sea2Soil’s Business Development Manager, Grant James, and with a gentle prompt from Chris Leslie at Cloud Farming, Doug began applying Sea2Soil to his wheat fields this year.
“It’s difficult to quantify so far, having only applied the product this year, but I have already noticed a difference in plant health,” continued Doug. “In every wheat field, I requested that 6m strips not be sprayed with the product. I also asked not to be told where these strips were. When crop walking, you could pick out every strip where Sea2Soil hadn’t been sprayed - the plants were lighter in colour, they weren’t as healthy as those that had received the product.
“While the legacy of the product remains to be seen - given that we can’t expect to see any yield results just yet, I do think there is something there. There are a lot of products coming into the market now, but this is completely natural; why not keep it simple? The product is making use of what is essentially a waste product from another industry and is saving that from being disposed of in a harmful way.
“There’s no silver bullet when it comes to farming, and I know I’ve made mistakes over the years, but you have to try these things; that’s how you learn. Every farm is different, every field is different, so no one approach is going to work. Just as the industry is always constantly changing, how we need to farm and adapt our systems is too. I’d like to think I’m a regenerative farmer, but there are always so many variables to consider; all we can strive to do is create resilient farms, with resilient soil, by adapting so we can be in the best position to face the future.”
Drawn at random from the pool of entrants, formed of loyal customers, new customers and customer referrals, Doug enjoyed event entry, overnight accommodation and a front row seat to Joel Williams’ talk on the Sea2Soil stand on day one of the event.
Find out more about Sea2Soil at www.sea2soil.co.uk
We’ll see you at the 2025 Green Farm Collective Summer Gathering!
Sea2Soil will be heading down to Mill Farm in Oxfordshire this week as we proudly sponsor the 2025 Green Farm Collective Summer Gathering on Thursday, June 6th. Bringing together farmers, agronomists, innovators and change-makers, this event is a must for those who share a common goal - to build a more sustainable, nature-led future for UK agriculture.
If, like the team at Sea2Soil, you’re passionate about improving soil health, cutting synthetic inputs, and producing food in a way that works with the environment and not against it, this is the event for you.
"We have talked for decades, even centuries over the importance of carbon, it drives all-natural systems. At last, by creating a process of measurement and placing a value on carbon, it is going to be at the forefront of farming discussions. We are going to see a huge paradigm shift in how we farm for the future by being a partner with nature and not as has been in isolation to it."
Mike Harrington, Edaphos
Founded by a group of pioneering farmers, the Green Farm Collective champions regenerative agriculture and collaboration over competition. A highlight in the farming calendar - designed to inspire, challenge, and connect those who believe in farming with nature - this year’s event promises hands-on learning, open conversations, and a closer look at how collective thinking and shared experiences are shaping the future of UK farms.
"I run a communications consultancy specialising in agrifood and rural. I want to, not only offset our carbon, but also invest in biodiversity on farms that we know, managed by farmers that we trust. Our belief in the values, credibility and hands-on care of farmers involved in The Green Farm Collective is what has inspired us to voluntarily support the founding farmers to develop their community. Our hope is that other businesses follow our collective lead."
Jane Craigie, Marketing, The Green Farm Collective
"Quite simply, inspired. We run a small social enterprise focused on supporting young people to build their lives in rural places. Our mission is the regeneration of communities and the repopulation of young people to our countryside by building the self-belief, enterprise, leadership and activism skills of our rural under 30s. It felt right to offset our carbon and support biodiversity projects with The Green Farm Collective - they too are rooted in regenerating rural places. "
Rebecca Dawes, The Rural Youth Project
At Sea2Soil, we believe in the benefits healthy soil can deliver for farms, food systems, and the planet. Our fish hydrolysate soil improver is designed to feed the soil biology, enhance nutrient cycling, and reduce the need for synthetic inputs.
By sponsoring this year’s Summer Gathering, we support the brilliant work of the Green Farm Collective and stand alongside a community that is driving practical, profitable change from the ground up.
Some of the team will be in attendance on the day, so be sure to reach out to Grant James if you’d like to chat or drop the team a message.
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.