ORGANIC SOIL IMPROVER: Providing a full nutritional profile for you soil to make it healthier and more productive
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.
We are currently working with Nottingham University soil dept looking at microbial activity related to S2S.
Working with Notts Uni we are comparing regeneration agriculture with conventional agriculture practices to establish the level of microbial increase using Sea2Soil as the fungi/bacteria food the underground livestock require.
Both glasshouse and farm trials will be the used to establish short to long term results on an independent basis.
Completed by this summer the results should be available for the Autumn applications of Sea2Soil through UK distribution.
Also, work is underway with Eurofins looking at various compatibilities on a range of crops
S2S is working with Eurofins to stablish 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 is also being evaluated.
S2S have 14 separate trials ongoing to establish and confirm its microbial activity, natural nitrogen abilities and nutrient absorption properties
Please visit our stands at cereals and Groundswell this June for further information and an update on results
As we move into the third year since our first farmer-led trials, the Sea2Soil team is excited to announce that next-phase research and development is currently underway.
In partnership with the Nottingham University Soil Department, we are investing time and money into how Sea2Soils’ 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.
Please visit our stands at Cereals (120) and Groundswell (DF E41) this June for further information and to get a firsthand update on results.
Signs of Spring are everywhere, and while work in the world of agriculture never stops, this month we will see efforts ramp up - from the drilling, or sowing, of the sugar beet to fertilising and crop spraying.
At a local level, we may still only be seeing the seeds of regenerative agriculture taking hold, but as reported in the Financial Times recently, at a global level, the well-coined phrase is now ‘firmly cemented in corporate parlance’ as well as across some of ‘the sustainability plans of big food companies such as Nestlé, Unilever and Danone’.
With leaps being made ‘up there’ in the grander scheme of things, for us on a day-to-day basis it’s been positive to see regenerative agriculture gaining increased interest and traction as growers look to find new ways of reducing inputs while increasing their ROI.
Sea2Soil, for example, with its biostimulant activity as a soil improver, plus added nutrients, will increase microbial activity, root growth root diameter and soil water holding capacity. This leads to increased nutrient availability, higher quality and double-digit yield increases because it stimulates the uptake of fertilisers and nutrients with no negative effects on a range of crops.
The soil improver market has the potential to grow considerably bigger than the current pesticide supply industry, given time.
With all the interests in regenerative agriculture, carbon footprints, reduced fertiliser usage, recent legislation shifts and sustainable farming, is this the time for soil improvers to move forward into mainstream agricultural product usage? We think so.
There is a clear trend developing that shows farmers are growing tired of the regenerative market having no clear definition too, with almost anyone technically being able to label themselves ‘regenerative’ under a green-washed label.
Because of this, we’re seeing growers looking to invest in products such as Sea2Soil, where results are being driven by ongoing trials, in turn, providing firm foundations upon which they can then qualify themselves regenerative.
If the 20th century was the era of biochemistry, the 21st could easily be described as the era of biology. As an industry, we are realising that our actions matter; we cannot continue to ignore the health of the soil and our wellbeing.
Get in touch with Grant and the Sea2Soil team:
There’s no denying that agriculture and all of us working within it, have landed at a very interesting turning point.
The times ahead are undoubtedly exciting, they hold incomparable potential and opportunity in fact. As we begin to navigate through a massive transformation, following the last 50 years of reliance on NPK, industry evolution has been steady, and change has been minimal.
It’s hard to predict the future, otherwise, we’d all be millionaires, but that element of the unknown is where I believe we can tap into a whole new approach; led by creative thinking and application and eventually new methods being accepted as normal practice.
The knowledge is ramping up in concern to soil health and the importance of it to all of us in agriculture. We’re taking great leaps in the understanding of our biodiversity and our underground livestock.
As in the biometrics of humans – the microbes in both soil and humans hold the key to health and longevity.
The transition into biodiversity that the wider industry has taken tentative steps towards is akin to the smart phone and its development. What we see today is only the beginning of the sustainable applications to the benefit of the industry. Development continues at pace behind the scenes, all with the promise of delivering the extraordinary.
The process of change to a high biodiverse soil structure is not a quick fix. Years will pass before soil structure builds up to the detectable level of benefit and change – but hey ho, seasons come and go so fast this accomplishment will come around before we know it.
The rewards are multiple, and already there…
Not all these benefits have been quantifiably recorded on a regular basis with trials data, yet. However, with the combination of less soil movement and beneficial soil activators/biostimulants to feed the microbes during the growing season, many farmers that have committed to feeding the underground livestock are seeing positive results over time - both across the UK and EU.
By feeding the microbes, balancing the fungi and bacteria in the soil structure, the plant has increased access to the nutrients it needs to help secure the production of a crop, while it is attempting to thrive under several stressful conditions.
Soil activators and bio stimulants increase better organisation of the soil organic matter and its fertility over a long period of time, resulting in constant quality and yield from season to season.
Working closely on joint ventures, trials, and farm demos and with the addition of international food processors, we can deliver an active sustainable map to support farmers and growers through the change to regenerative farming practices.
Get in touch with Grant and the Sea2Soil team:
With the next generation of farmers starting to manage their family farms, the challenges of climate change and the cost of fertilisers rapidly increasing, regenerative farming practices are becoming a key focus within the industry.
British farmers now want to find out more about using natural products to support their growth, the quality of their produce and the future of the UK farming industry in a sustainable and cost-effective way.
For that reason, we hosted an exciting event featuring expert independent plant and soil health educator Joel Williams on 10th November 2023 to provide more information on regenerative farming practices, soil management and plant nutrition.
This was followed by a farmer panel discussion, a talk from event host, Paul Davey, and an eye-opening field walk to see what can be achieved with this modern, eco-friendly approach to agriculture. Paul Davey is a brand ambassador for Sea2Soil and runs Girsby Farm Services Ltd, an agricultural contractor with a strong interest in conservation and regenerative farming.
It was great to be at an event where we all have similar goals and ambitions for our respective businesses and hearing Joel Williams to speak at the event emphasised how much we share the same vision.
At Sea2Soil, we are the UKs first fish hydrolysate to be approved by the Soil Association. Proved to improve your soil and promote natural, sustainable growth, this product is created using responsibly sourced fish by-products. Containing a full range of naturally balanced amino acids, fatty acids and a comprehensive range of macro and micronutrients, it helps improve plant and soil health, increase yields, and improve ROI whilst reducing the reliance on synthetic products.
Joel Williams is an expert in this field, providing lectures, workshops, and consultation across the world on soil management, plant nutrition and integrated approaches to sustainable food production.
With extensive practical experience in Australia, UK, and Canada, he is passionate about integrating soil and plant analyses as a joined-up strategy for managing farming production and is considered a pioneer in the sustainable farming field.
Find out more about his work here.
The Sea2Soil event on 10th November 2023 was considered by many to be the most insightful event of the year because of the urgent need for education on regenerative, budget-friendly farming practices.
The event started with a lecture from Joel covering the general approach to regenerative farming practices including soil management and plant nutrition, then fed into a talk from event host, Paul Davey.
He explained why he uses the Sea2Soil product, how long he’s been using it and the significant benefits he has seen from using this eco-friendly product.
After a farmer panel discussion and delicious lunch, the attendees enjoyed a guided field walk on Paul’s land to demonstrate how effective this natural product is.
We were pleased to welcome a wide variety of farmers, agronomists, and journalists from across the UK to the event last November.
This included forward-thinking, sustainably minded, cost-focused farmers from across the UK. Some were existing customers for the Sea2Soil product and long-term supporters. Others were potential customers who wanted to learn more about this innovative product and how it can support their ambitions for adopting regenerative farming practices.
We were also pleased to welcome a representative from Farmer’s Weekly and agronomists looking for unbiased, factual information on the topic.
We’d like to give a big thank you to everyone who attended the event.
This includes our generous event host, Paul Davey, expert lecturer Joel Williams and everyone who came along to discover the outstanding benefits of regenerative farming.
The expert insights we gained from Joel Williams, the field walk and the interesting conversations between like-minded farmers and agronomists created great networking opportunities and were certainly the highlights of the day.
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