ORGANIC SOIL IMPROVER: Providing a full nutritional profile for you soil to make it healthier and more productive
In the far north of Scotland, near Halkirk in Caithness, John Mackay runs a mixed arable and livestock farm across several sites spanning more than 300 acres. With a background that spans engineering, the nuclear industry, and now an offshore career, John has always returned to farming whenever he’s home. That mix of experiences has shaped his perspective on how to best manage the land.
“Because I’m away offshore for long stretches, I’ve had to rethink how we farm,” John explains. “It’s about making the system work smarter, not harder. Improving soil health while reducing synthetic inputs is the way forward for us.”
Today, the farm grows barley (and previously oats) and runs livestock across rough grazing ground. John is also exploring ways to expand into more crop production over summer while increasing livestock numbers through winter grazing, whether by utilising forage crops or bringing in store lambs and cast ewes.
With plenty of late nights spent researching alternative farming processes and systems, John has built his knowledge. “After shifts, I’ll sit down and dig into regenerative practices, foliar nutrient systems, and biological inputs. That’s how I came across Sea2Soil,” he says.
After reaching out to Liz here at Sea2Soil for more information, John began trialling our product alongside foliar-applied urea, Epsotop, and molasses. And even without compound fertilisers, the results were encouraging.
“Our crops held their colour, rooted well, and bulked up nicely - even through dry spells,” John recalls. Demonstrating how Sea2Soil can be used in a very practical way to improve overall crop resilience in a changing climate, especially in drier seasons like we’ve seen in 2025.
The impact hasn’t been limited to arable ground. Grassland has also shown noticeable improvement.
“We’ve got older fields that sheep used to avoid,” John explains. “Since applying Sea2Soil, they’re now grazing those fields evenly. One field in particular was always strip-grazed for cattle, but the sheep would never touch the aftermath. Now they graze the whole lot without hesitation. That tells me something in the biology has shifted - it’s making the forage more palatable or healthier.”
John is also working with other partners, including Jenna Ballantine at NewGen Agri and Andy Cheetham at Hybrid Farming Systems, to build a longer-term foliar and biological-based nutrient plan. The aim is to reduce inputs and costs while steadily improving soil health.
“We’re realistic that yields might dip slightly as soils correct themselves,” John says, “but in the long run, this will be more sustainable and profitable.”
Balancing full-time offshore work with part-time farming has given John a pragmatic perspective.
“It’s not about doing things the old way,” he says. “It’s about doing them better. With Sea2Soil and the systems we’re putting in place, I’m confident we’re heading in the right direction. I know this isn’t a quick fix, but I want to work to correct some of the damage that has been done to the land here without manmade fertiliser where I can. It’s a big step for me, but I know I’m only just scratching the surface of what’s possible.”
Want to know more about how Sea2Soil can fit into your farming system? Talk to the team today to see how they can support you - get in touch.
In Episode 3 of the Sea2Soil Podcast, Grant James is joined by James Warne from Soil First Farming to dig into the fascinating – and often overlooked – world of microbial activity in soils.
Healthy soils are alive with billions of microscopic organisms – often described as “livestock beneath the surface.” These microbes play a crucial role in breaking down residues, cycling nutrients, and supporting profitable crop production. But, as James explains, they need the right environment to thrive.
Moisture, aeration, and good soil structure are the starting points. Once that environment is in place, it becomes a question of how to keep the biology fed. Without food, microbes can begin consuming stored carbon, reducing long-term fertility. Products like Sea2Soil, when applied at the right time, can provide valuable nutrition to sustain this underground workforce.
Timing is key. As temperatures rise in spring and rainfall reinvigorates activity, microbial life “wakes up” and begins working again. With cover crops in the autumn, there are further opportunities to boost biology – provided warmth and moisture remain in the system.
The conversation also explores:
Soil biology, James emphasises, is a jigsaw puzzle. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but understanding and nurturing the underground ecosystem is key to making soils healthier, more resilient, and more profitable.
Read up on Episode 3 of the Sea2Soil Podcast: Feeding the Underground Livestock, coming to YouTube and Spotify on September 11th at 10am.
Drawing a crowd hungry for practical, science-backed strategies, Joel delivered a compelling presentation on why these “building blocks of life” are rapidly becoming a must‑have tool in every farmer’s kit.
Catch up on Joel Williams’ talk on the Sea2Soil stand at Groundswell 2024.
Take some time out to catch up on Joel’s 2024 talk, as we run through the highlights and get you ready for his 2025 sessions:
During his 2024 talk, Joel talked all about how important application timings are when it comes to using soil improvers.
Integration: Seamlessly combining Sea2Soil with cover crops, reduced‑till practices, and organic amendments for a holistic regenerative approach.
Timing: Applying at key growth stages (e.g., pre‑flowering, early vegetative) maximises uptake.
Rates and methods: Joel shared insights from on‑farm trials, demonstrating how foliar sprays and root‑zone applications can be tailored to different crops.
Joel also showcased results from partner farms that displayed:
Farmers probed Joel on topics ranging from application logistics to pairing amino acids with biostimulants. His straight‑talking, evidence‑driven answers helped demystify adoption barriers and sparked lively conversations long after the formal session ended.
Good news! Joel Williams is returning to the Sea2Soil stand (DF E40) at Groundswell 2025, ready to deliver another round of focused talks and Q&A sessions. Catch him at 11 am on both days (July 2 & 3) to:
Whether you missed him last year or want to build on what you learned in 2024, Joel’s sessions are your gateway to unlocking the full potential of organic nitrogen in a regenerative farming system.
Event: Groundswell Festival 2025 (Regenerative Agriculture Show & Conference)
Dates: July 2–3, 2025
Location: Lannock Manor Farm, Hitchin, SG4 7EE
Stand: DF E40
Talk Times: 11 am each day
Sea2Soil’s innovative fish hydrolysate is the UK’s first organic soil improver of its kind, and Joel’s expertise makes it more accessible than ever.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Read more on our Groundswell 25 page
Fresh off a hugely successful showing at Cereals 2025, the Sea2Soil team is now turning their attention to the next major date in the regenerative farming calendar - Groundswell 2025 - and it promises to be bigger, bolder, and even more impactful than last year.
Following the incredible reception to our 2024 collaboration with Joel Williams, which saw both days of Groundswell packed out with farmers, agronomists and students eager to learn about amino acids, root zone biology and microbial life, we’re thrilled to confirm that Joel will be back with Sea2Soil this year, on Stand DF E40.
Catch him daily at 11am, where he’ll be diving deeper into the role of amino acids in soil health, how they integrate into regenerative and commercial systems, and why the future of farming starts below ground.
Read more on our Groundswell 25 page
Catch up on Joel Williams’ talk on the Sea2Soil stand at Groundswell 2024.
Before we get to Groundswell, we’re still digesting everything that made Cereals 2025 such a standout show.
The buzz never stopped. Thanks to a thoughtful, well-zoned layout (think: crops in one area, machinery in another, and product innovations like Sea2Soil in their own defined space), the showground felt intuitive and vibrant, not to mention beautiful, with wildflower borders and smart signage throughout.
Our stand welcomed a stream of visitors, from long-time customers to new farmers curious about how Sea2Soil could fit into their farming systems and processes across systems, organic and hybrid systems. Many remarked on the product’s improved usability, “lighter, less thick, and easier to apply,” as one farmer put it. That feedback is priceless for Sea2Soil and a testament to the product development work our team has put in over the last 12 months.
We also had some exciting conversations that could shape the future of trials and product development. A crop physiologist from AgriTech stopped by to explore the possibility for larger-scale research collaboration, and thanks to a referral from NIAB, we had new visitors who’d heard great things about Sea2Soil from trusted peers in the industry.
It wasn’t just a technical crowd either. There was a striking number of young farmers and students, including those from the Universities of Nottingham and Lincoln. As we packed down, a group of younger farmers circled back to the stand to learn more.
So what’s next?
Sea2Soil returns to Groundswell 2025 on Stand DF E40, bringing with us our full soil-first team - and, of course, Joel Williams, who was one of last year’s standout speakers across the entire event.
This year, Joel will once again be delivering daily talks at 11am, right from our stand. Each session will explore:
Whether you’re working no-till, mixed farming, or just beginning your transition, Joel’s knowledge and clarity make soil science feel actionable and accessible.
The Great Groundswell Giveaway Returns
And because it wouldn’t be Groundswell without a little something special...This year, we launched our Great Groundswell Giveaway!
New and loyal customers who purchased our product between January 2024 and June 2025 were automatically entered into a prize draw, which would see one lucky winner gifted with two tickets to Groundswell and overnight accommodation for the night of July 2.
The Sea2Soil team has now drawn our winner, using a random selector, and we’re thrilled to announce that Doug Christie of Durie Farms, Fife is our winner!
At both Cereals and Groundswell, one thing has been crystal clear: regenerative thinking isn’t fringe anymore, it’s foundational. As more farmers look for real results beneath their boots, Sea2Soil is proud to be part of a community that’s putting soil biology, circular inputs, and ecosystem health at the centre of modern farming.
Come find us at Groundswell 2025 on Stand DF E40. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and your boots, and we’ll bring the Sea2Soil.
See you in the field!
Agricultural machinery manufacturer Claydon welcomes the Sea2Soil team as co-hosts of two open days in May, at its factory and farm in Wickhambrook, Suffolk.
Fully-booked across both days, these events offered up a great opportunity for growers to consider a change of establishment system and to learn more about the agronomic benefits of Claydon Opti-Till direct drilling and stubble management machinery, as well as find about other important aspects of soil health and managing soils better, learning from the activity currently being practiced and trialed on Claydon Farms.
Sea2Soil has been used by Jeff Claydon for two years, and is being utilised in several different fields and situations in sprayed blocks. The aim? To see if it can add even more soil health and economic yield benefits to the already successful farming system in place across the farm.
More than 80 growers participated in the four sessions, which took place across the two days, with each session including a crop walk, factory tour and presentations from three guest speakers. Dick Neale, from crop protection specialists Hutchinsons, discussed soil health and cover crops from soil demo pits in the field, James Lane, from Omnia, outlined the benefits of using their farm management system featuring soil mapping, and Grant James, from Sea2Soil, spoke about the benefits of using organic soil improvers across different farming systems, outlining the product technology and constituents.
During the field tour part of the visit, research agronomist Guy Gibson also spoke about and discussed with growers the ongoing trials Claydon Farms is conducting with the Sea2Soil product, specifically at the Wickhambrook site. Guy outlined how increases in tiller counts, last season in winter wheat, in Sea2Soil-treated blocks led to a 4% yield increase vs the standard farm practice control block. This season, recent tiller counts in the spring oats crop being trialed have shown statistically significant tiller count increases of 20% with Sea2Soil compared to the control block, so Guy is hopeful this will again lead to an even higher yield increase, perhaps at harvest this season. More to come on that later in the year.
During the day, Claydon took the opportunity to outline to growers some of the main challenges on-farm at the moment, including changing weather conditions, combating climate change and the need to farm in a way which maintains profitable income in an environmentally sustainable way, looking after soil health. A shift that is seeing hybrid and adaptable approaches to farming systems emerge.
Sea2Soil, for example, fits perfectly with the Claydon system and their solutions for sustainable crop production, which can lead to increased productivity, better soil structure, reduced costs, increased water holding capacity and soil health improvements such as increased soil organic matter. Using the Opti-till leading tine system of direct drilling, this ensures that columns of well-structured, undisturbed soil are left in place between drilling rows to aid machinery travel and build better soil health around the growing crop and root structure. Much like the cover crops, catch crops and companion crops used on Claydon farms above-ground within their rotations, Sea2Soil is an ideal ‘soil companion solution’ to use alongside this type of farming.
Packed full of vital amino acids and nutrients, Sea2Soil acts as a soil improver to feed the beneficial soil fungi and bacteria around the plant rooting zones, which in turn benefit and feed other vital parts of the soil microbiome, such as earthworms, which improve soil structure, drainage and organic matter. The product provides a vital boost to plant growth and health, especially in the crucial early crop establishment phases and works across a wide range of different crops including cereals, potatoes, oilseeds, pulses, grassland and maize. Applying a soil improver in a planned way each season, in a split programme approach in both autumn and spring, can lead to consistent improvements in soil health and crop performance over a long-term period, as Claydon is discovering. Soil health is too important to simply react to, a proactive and planned approach is needed.
For more information about sourcing Sea2Soil to try it out on your farm, please contact Grant James grant.james@pelagia.com
The success of 2024’s research wasn’t just the result of Sea2Soil’s efficacy. It was the result of highly collaborative work with a number of leading organisations; relationships that have ensured this research can continue well into 2025.
Progress within the industry simply isn’t possible without collaboration, at least that’s what the team at Sea2Soil believes.
Working collaboratively with a number of organisations is vital for the evolution of industry awareness and education around products such as Sea2Soil and their benefits, as well as the overall importance of soil health within farming systems.
Currently, Sea2Soil works in collaboration with a number of key farming partners and consultancy businesses operating across the breadth of the industry.
“Working with a wide range of partners with different areas of expertise provides the basis for improving our product development, understanding all the wider benefits of the product and identifying any areas which may need additional work going forward. It also helps us share knowledge around soil health on how to improve soil biology over the long term,” says Sea2Soil’s Business Development Manager, Grant James.
One such partnership is with Soil First Farming, which shares a similar vision when it comes to soil health and believes the focus on soil is long overdue. At Groundswell last year, we caught up with Soil First Farming’s Steve Townsend to talk about how putting soils first is key to better crop yield and quality.
Sea2Soil also took the opportunity to talk with Simon Revell of Claydon Drills at last year’s Groundswell event, to get to the crux of the joint on-farm research programme that is currently underway at Claydon Farms in Suffolk in partnership with Sea2Soil.
Due to the success experienced by all parties over the last year, the Sea2Soil team has initiated a new partnership with experts at Nottingham University to research how the soil improver encourages essential microbial activity to benefit cropping.
Following a series of farmer-led trials, the team is excited that this vital next phase of research is currently underway. Grant added: “In partnership with Nottingham University Soil Department, we are investing resources to discover how Sea2Soil’s performance stacks up in both traditional and regenerative farming methods. We’re working to establish the level of microbial increase that Sea2Soil brings in both practices to deliver beneficial fungi and bacteria the essential food and nutrients they require underground.”
Trials will be used to establish independent, long-term results to further validate Sea2Soil use. The work is expected to help establish the extent of microbial activity, natural nitrogen abilities and nutrient absorption properties of Sea2Soil. Results will help improve our knowledge and technical understanding and also support next season’s applications of Sea2Soil on UK farms.
Looking at the product’s impact on worm count, pH, carbon retention, moisture, porosity, and organic matter, the non-replicated trials work in 2024 found that Sea2Soil increased earthworm numbers by 5 times, increased soil organic matter by 35.8% and increased soil carbon content by 1.2% vs. the untreated control soil. Dr Girkin added: “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.”
Alongside the research taking place under the expert eye of Nottingham University, work is also underway with independent trials specialists Eurofins, looking at product compatibilities on a range of crops. Sea2Soil is collaborating with the world-renowned trials specialist to test tank mix compatibilities with crop protection products, including herbicides, fungicides, PGRs and insecticides. The compatibility testing is being done on products used on a range of crops including wheat, barley, oilseed rape, potatoes, sugar beet and grassland. It’s a vital element to support growers and ensure the use of Sea2Soil is as flexible and practical as possible to fit in with other applications on-farm during the season. Application rates and timings are also being evaluated during the Sea2Soil testing process that Eurofins is doing.
For growers looking to mitigate Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle (CSFB), recent trials with NIAB that were staged in 2024, tested Sea2Soils’ efficacy as a deterrent against CSFB damage, found the product reduced CSFB damage to cotyledons by 32%, to leaves by 90% and to stems by 59%.
Adrian Harris, Lead Researcher from NIAB, commented: “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.”
Grant James, Business Development Manager at Sea2Soil, added: “We see Sea2Soil as far more than a natural source of nitrogen, but as a soil prebiotic that leads to a healthier, improved soil environment, better crop health and increased microbial activity. This research gives us vital understanding of how the product delivers on yield responses, reduces reliance on chemical inputs and is environmentally sustainable.”
And work’s not stopping there. A wide range of new activity is planned in 2025, across product development and customer support. Our trials are now running across different crops, independently managed by specialist agronomy companies, research organisations and universities.
Independent trials agronomist and specialist Guy Gibson took some time out to explain how long-term trials work, and depth of knowledge is crucial to assess the overall success of the Sea2Soil soil improver product. Guy also talks about the sort of assessments and indicators being looked at in the trials work in the wider context of improving our soils.
Collaborative partnerships are crucial for helping drive product development, that much is clear, and there is much to gain for all businesses involved. As part of the wider programme of collaborative partnerships Sea2Soil has in place for 2025 in the Ag industry sector, the company is also now working with leading national supermarkets and food retailers in the UK.
This engagement will help broaden interest in the product use to travel full circle from improving soils on farms to helping produce healthier crops and produce for consumption in households right around the UK. Following on from good collaboration with BASE (Biodiversity, Agriculture, Soil & Environment) members over the last 12 months, where Sea2Soil’s research work was outlined in a webinar to BASE growers as part of their dedicated drive to enhancing agriculture through innovative, regenerative and conservation farming practices, a number of discussions have taken place with leading UK supermarkets.
Sea2Soil now has ongoing trials research work in place this year with Waitrose & Partners Farms looking at applications of Sea2Soil in both winter wheat and oilseed rape. In addition, there are also active discussions taking place with Sea2Soil and other food retailers, as well as the University of Reading’s Agriculture & Food department. Expanding our approach to valuable collaboration with partners like this within the food sector is a positive aspect in getting the wider message around healthy soil front of mind on both farms as well as in the end-market use, retail sector.
“Working with a range of specialist partners, particularly in the food retail sector, provides the basis for improving our product development. Understanding the benefits the product can provide in the wider supply chain and identifying any areas which may need additional research going forward will also help us share knowledge around soils and how to improve soil health to produce healthy crops over the long term,” says Grant James.
Look out for the latest findings coming later this season around using Sea2Soil as a deterrent for damaging crop pest situations, including aphids in cereals and cabbage stem flea beetle in oilseeds, including flax, as well as further research on its wider effects on soil biology and the soil microbiome and other potential joint projects work in discussion currently.
Have you actively supported your soil and crop health this Spring? With one simple change, you could be seeing the benefits.
Plants cannot function and grow efficiently without the assistance of beneficial soil bacteria and fungi, aka micro-organisms. A fish hydrolysate, like Sea2Soil - which was the UK’s first and longest established, research-backed product - provides a highly nutritious food source for those micro-organisms, which further convert nutrients into a form that is readily available to the plant. Using a natural soil improver is an accessible and inclusive way to boost your soil and crop health, with the product being easy to apply in organic, regenerative or conventional farming systems, to help boost and replenish the nutrient content in the soil, promoting plant health and optimal growth.
And you’re not too late to try it out this Spring with Sea2Soil.
Sea2Soil specifically works to feed populations of vital soil micro-organisms. The micro-organisms release nutrients locked within the soil, which feed your crop plants. This can take time, depending on the soil conditions (temperature, moisture) over the course of the crop’s life. Therefore, in many spring-sown crops like potatoes, maize, pulses and in grass or herbal leys, it is better to apply the product while the crop is young and first establishing. This gives as much of an advantage as possible when the crop really needs it, and also benefits the soil health.
In the latest TerraFarmer and Sea2Soil trials taking place around England and Wales, grassland and forage crops have both revealed positive results.
TerraFarmer’s Agronomist and Consultant, Hugo Ellis, said: “We have seen an improvement in organic bean crops in Cornwall using Sea2Soil in combination with molasses last year, where we found an increase in late season brix testing (4 vs 6) for sugar content and improved earthworm counts in treated areas. We also found a large increase in biomass yield and grain yield with Sea2Soil and molasseses; around a 30% increase vs the non-Sea2Soil control treatment.”
TerraFarmer has also received positive feedback this spring from growers about tank compatibility and ease of spraying using Sea2Soil.
Apply Sea2Soil early in the crop’s life, to get the soil micro-organisms going as soon as possible for the benefit of young, fast-growing spring crops with a large and often more rapid nutrient requirement. Sea2Soil is easy to apply and is compatible with many other plant protection products for added convenience. It is recommended to spray Sea2Soil in 100-200 L/ha of water.
Spring cereals, oilseed rape - Spray 10 L/ha pre-emergence, or as soon after drilling as possible, then follow up with 5 or 10L/ha before stem elongation.
Potatoes, pulses (peas, beans), maize, field vegetables - Spray 10 L/ha (soil applied) pre-emergence, or as soon after drilling as possible, then follow up with up to 10 L/ha in late spring.
Grassland leys, herbal leys - Spray 10 L/ha just before the start of the active sporing growth period and follow up with a repeat application in May. Grazing interval restrictions apply – take grazing stock out of the treated area for 21 days before returning or before crops/herbage are harvested.
Foliar application - 5-10 L/ha (multiple applications can be made in the season; 3-6 times a year)
Direct soil application - 10-20 L/ha
Recommended dilution - 1:250
Sea2Soil is pre-screened (filtered) to 100 μm but may contain larger particles. Screening is recommended prior to application through fine filters, and thoroughly clean any filters within your equipment after each use.
*Always seek advice from your agronomist before using and applying Sea2Soil, and for use in organic production. Not to be applied to any edible parts of crops. If applied to grassland, a grazing interval period of 21 days is required before grazing animals can return.
Sea2Soil can be applied (after dilution) in a number of different ways: to the soil, as a foliar spray or in an irrigation system. When tank-mixed with herbicides in foliar applications, the fish oil content in Sea2Soil helps act as a natural surfactant, which can enhance spraying performance.
With direct to soil application, common methods include: drill-mounted liquid fertiliser applicator at establishment (in spring or autumn) and fertiliser streamers, direct to soil
Foliar application methods include using a standard crop sprayer, applying with other foliar applications, and using plant protection products.
Sea2Soil is compatible with a wide range of other products, including fungicides, herbicides, and PGRs. Discover the latest, full details on compatibility testing, which are updated frequently. It is advisable to complete a ‘bucket test’ for compatibility and test on a small area before mixing in the sprayer tank.
Sea2Soil typically provides the following nutrients per application;
*Analysis may vary due to organic nature of the product
Amino acids naturally occur in two forms: L- and D-, and fish hydrolysates contain both forms. Both play a key role in soil and plant health L- amino acids can be taken up by the plant directly and are used for protein synthesis, whereas D- amino acids are used by soil bacteria to build cell walls, which is crucial to soil health.
Each amino acid has specific functions in plant metabolism, growth and stress response. A balanced supply of essential amino acids is crucial for optimal crop growth and development. While plants can synthesise some amino acids on their own, they often require a supply of essential amino acids from external sources. They also play important roles in the regulation of plant growth and development.
And, Sea2Soil contains all 20 amino acids needed for protein synthesis:
| Amino Acid | Typical Value (%)* |
|---|---|
| Alanine | 1.55 |
| Arginine | 1.3 |
| Aspartic Acid | 2.13 |
| Glutamic Acid | 2.85 |
| Glycine | 1.62 |
| Histidine | 0.57 |
| Hydroxyproline | 0.32 |
| Isoleucine | 1.00 |
| Leucine | 1.67 |
| Lycine | 1.81 |
| Ornithine | <0.05 |
| Phenylalanine | 0.94 |
| Proline | 1.02 |
| Serine | 0.88 |
| Threonine | 0.98 |
| Tyrosine | 0.58 |
| Valine | 1.21 |
| Cysteine & Cystine | 0.14 |
| Methionine | 0.64 |
*Analysis may vary due to the organic nature of the product
Whether it’s climatic challenges, problems with soil health, the cost of fertiliser inputs or all of the above, farming more sustainably across all systems (conventional, regenerative and organic) is becoming a vital focus for growers across the UK.
A growing number of farms now share a similar vision and want to find out more about using natural products to support their businesses, improve the quality and health of their soils and crops, and help secure the future of their farms more sustainably and cost-effectively.
If you’re keen to find out more about how Sea2Soil can support you and your on-farm operations, the team is returning to both Cereals and Groundswell for 2025 and will be on hand to chat and answer any questions you may have about the product, how it can be applied and the success other farmers are having utilising the product.
Come and join us and talk to us on Stand 162 at Cereals and Stand DF E40 at Groundswell.
And we won’t be alone at Groundswell either... Joel Williams, independent plant and soil health educator and Groundswell Speaker will once again be joining the team on stand at Groundswell to deliver some engaging sessions.
Following his successful appearance on the stand in 2024, Joel is returning to collaborate with Sea2Soil to discuss the role of amino acids in farming and the benefits of these forms of Nitrogen.
With a record attendance of visitors expected at Groundswell this year, the Sea2Soil team look forward to welcoming visitors to their stand throughout the two-day event. On both days, Sea2Soil is also hosting a 30-minute talk about Soil Health by renowned, international soil expert Joel Williams.
Grant James, Business Development Director at Sea2Soil, said: “Joel is a headline expert in our industry and his knowledge of soil health and the latest research is truly exceptional. His technical insights, advice and key messages will be very valuable for all those attending and listening to his talk on our stand - we’re looking forward to seeing everyone there!”
As a prelude to this year’s event, re-watch coverage of Joel William’s insightful talk on ‘N utilisation in soils’ at Groundswell last year, where Joel discusses Nitrogen utilisation and how soil improvers and amendments like Sea2Soil can play an important part.
If you aren’t attending this year, book a one-on-one call with Grant James or sign up for our newsletter to receive exclusive content and the latest information about Sea2Soil.
Whatever way you farm, whether in an organic, regenerative, conventional or other approach, Sea2Soil can play an important role in improving soil health on your farm to help crops grow better. We’d like to hear more about your soils and your farm. Come and join us and talk to us on Stand 162 at Cereals and Stand DF E40 at Groundswell, where we can give you a first-hand update on our latest phase of research and the results being seen.
Following the positive results of our farm-set trials and non-replicated conventional studies in collaboration with the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) and The University of Nottingham respectively in 2024, Sea2Soil has commissioned further, ground-breaking research to be undertaken by The University of Nottingham (UoN).
This season, expert scientists from the Soil Science Department at Sutton Bonington Research Campus will start to assess the effective impact of Sea2Soil soil improver fertiliser on soil health and carbon footprint (specifically greenhouse gas emissions, and particularly nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide fluxes). Soil health investigation research work will focus on soil chemistry as well as soil biology and will include the use of innovative analysis techniques such as biomarker analysis of beneficial fungi and bacteria ratios, so important in building biological health within soils. Importantly, the Phase 2 work will not only look at the impacts of Sea2Soil on soil health but will also measure crop yields, for practical use context to growers.
The work being undertaken in these studies will validate Sea2Soil in two ways at scale – one approach consisting of intensive measurements within a randomised block trial based at the UoN farm site at Sutton Bonington for two different crops, and a second approach based on a wider set of measurements across other working farms in the UK, investigating wider spatial variability in terms of impacts of management on soil health, carbon, and biology.
Phase 2 work will include a randomised field trial at the UoN farm with four replicate blocks and include six different treatments in total. The treatments are based on good farm commercial practice with standard Nitrogen (N) fertiliser applied as ammonium nitrate vs. the same farm practice with Sea2Soil applied in place of synthetic N fertiliser. There are also treatments where reduced N levels are being tested with or without Sea2Soil, which are important to test the concept of using Sea2Soil to complement conventional systems where growers are looking to cut down and reduce their reliance on synthetic N fertilisers for environmental and/or cost reasons.
The core UoN trials will be put into context by wider measurements at other commercial farms applying the product, to measure the impacts on soil health at much larger spatial scales, different soil types etc. This wider work will target a minimum of 20 paired fields where Sea2Soil is being used and managed vs unamended fields.
In field trials, the UoN team will carry out a Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure (VESS) rating the soil structure based on physical appearance by digging shallow soil pits (30cm deep). Soil resistance (which describes changes in resistance through the soil profile down to 75 cm), and shear strength (compaction in the top 5 cm) will also be measured in the field. Soil samples will be taken and analysed in the laboratory (in both UoN core field trials and wider farm network measurements) for: soil moisture content, soil organic matter content, bulk density, pH, total and available nutrients (N, P, K) and fungal to bacterial ratios (measured using fatty acid biomarker analysis), to assess impacts on soil microbial community composition.
Soil greenhouse gases will be measured using static, closed chamber methodology for monitoring emissions across agricultural systems, including wheat. The measurements taken during plant growth will focus on the early days post-application of Sea2Soil and fertiliser treatments when peak emissions generally occur. It is hoped that flux measurements from across the trial will allow a comparison of gaseous carbon and nitrogen emission losses from different application rates versus farm standards. Plot yields and quality data will also be analysed for all treatments at harvest, with quality measurements focusing on grain nutrient content.
Field trials and sampling will begin this month, with the project being headed up by Dr Nick Girkin, Assistant Professor in Environmental Science at Nottingham and Dr Hannah Cooper, along with a research assistant and field technician. An interim results report detailing sampling and analytical methodologies, statistical analyses, and results interpretation will be available this summer before the full Phase 2 report is published.
Watch this space! The team will be keeping a close eye on this phase of research and will report back on findings later in the season.