Questions about King Kelp® Concentrate

Below are frequently asked questions about our fertilizer products. If you have a more specific question, please use the contact form and we will be pleased to send you a response.

For what production aspect is the product designed?

Kelp is not a true plant. It is a massive rapid expanding colony of marine algae rich in all trace elements, natural growth substances, and a wider range of carbohydrates and sugars. The gentle four stage process used to make King Kelp ensures that these substances are released from the Kelp with as little damage as possible.

Although King Kelp can be applied directly to the soil, the most effective use is as a very dilute foliar spray. The benefits of King Kelp arise from regular use at very low rates. King Kelp is particularly beneficial in the following applications:

•  Early seedling establishment
•  Reducing transplant stress
•  Encouraging rapid root development
•  At flowering and early fruit development — rapid, strong cell division
•  To reduce the effects of stress caused by drought, flood and pests.
•  To improve resistance to fungal attack, insect attack and frost

Exactly how does it work?

Scientific research has determined that Kelp extracts are rapidly absorbed by the leaves. Trace elements and cytokinins are rapidly translocated to the roots where cell division and root growth is stimulated.

The production of root exudates is also stimulated. Root exudates respond by increasing the release of nitrogen and other nutrients in plant-available form. This increases the uptake of nutrients in a natural balanced way, resulting in strong healthy growth.

What factors affect its success?

King Kelp is best applied early morning as most foliar uptake occurs before midday. Avoid spraying if the day is likely to be extremely bright and hot.

With what does it interact in the soil?

If applied to the soil King Kelp should be sprayed on moist soil in the late afternoon. Kelp applied to the soil is rapidly taken up by soil organisms or absorbed onto soil particles until assimilated by soil organisms.

How soon is it available for uptake?

Foliar uptake is immediate. In the soil there is a lag between application and the response from soil organisms. Regular small applications ensure more even responses. The benefits from regular foliar applications are gradual and cumulative.

What proportion of the product for the plant?

By stimulating the soil biology, King Kelp makes available many times more nutrients than the fertilizer itself.

Is it readily leached or lost to the atmosphere?

No — the fertilizer is absorbed onto soil particles and does not readily leach. It is not volatile and does not produce volatile compounds.

How readily is the product locked up?

The fertilizer is not chemically locked up in the soil - merely held lightly on the surface of soil particles. Most is assimilated by soil organism within a few hours of application.

At what pH does it work best?

King Kelp will give responses regardless of pH. Responses tend to be greater with crops growing on poor sandy or degraded soils.

What is the best method of application?

For foliar application, a fine mist spray at dilutions of 100:1 to 200:1 is best. The diluted King Kelp should be applied as a fine mist. A wetting agent can be beneficial for plants with waxy leaves. alternatively use with SafeTech Organic Fish Fertilizer, which acts as a wetting agent, or SafeTech Combo. For application to soil, use sufficient water to obtain even application.

What effect does it have on pH?

By increasing the biological activity King Kelp can assist in the activation of lime where this is applied to increase the pH of acid soils.

Are any soils not suited to King Kelp?

No — All soils and all crops can benefit.

What is the fertilizer cost per acre per season?

Single foliar applications can cost as little as $6 per acre. The total cost can vary greatly with the condition of the soil and the crops being grown. Costs are offset by reduced use of fungicides, pesticides and soluble fertilizers. Real deficiencies can be corrected by foliar sprays and slow release, gentle, mineral fertilizers such as dolomite and rock phosphate.

What are the resulting environmental effects?

SafeTech King Kelp is completely safe for the farmer, the crop, and the wider environment. It is certified "A" as an input by the Biological Farmers of Australia. The fertilizer is now widely used on cricket ovals, public gardens, public golf courses, bowling greens, and other recreational areas because of its environmentally safety.

King Kelp is manufactured from Kelp naturally cast ashore by storms and therefore does not impact on the marine environment.