11 Understanding products used in sustainable agriculture It is easy to become confused by the ever-increasing range of new products being offered as an answer to sustainable farming. Many of these products are in fact very helpful, if used in the correct way and in the correct place. | Understanding products used in sustainable agriculture It is easy to become confused by the ever-increasing range of new products being offered as an answer to sustainable farming. Many of these products are in fact very helpful if used in the correct way and in the correct place. Because it is good or has worked for someone else doesn t necessarily mean that the product is suited to your farm. Some products are backed by extensive scientific research and are proven both in the laboratory and in the field just as much as any other agricultural product. There are however other products which are not supported by the same degree of systematic technical development and scientific evidence. This may not mean they are not useful it might simply mean that we do not properly or fully understand what they are doing both good and bad . Fertilisers and soil conditioners Seaweed extracts Seaweed contains a lot of micronutrients plant growth hormones sugars alcohols vitamins alginates proteins and biostimulants which improve the ability of plants to resist stresses caused by insects the environment and disease. Pure seaweed may provide a source of nitrogen when used in bulk but in the main it is better viewed as a plant tonic or an animal feed supplement. For plants seaweed extracts provide micronutrients stimulate root growth improve disease resistance and encourage beneficial microbial development in the soil. Unless large amounts of macronutrients are added seaweed extracts are not normally seen as a main fertiliser . For animals seaweed extracts can be added to licks feed supplements or used as a drench to provide mineral nutrients improve general resistance to health problems and in turn reduce the need to use agricultural chemicals. Research from the USA has shown that extracts of kelp a type of seaweed can 192 Sustainable Agriculture Increase hardiness ie to drought and other stresses Reduce some pest problems including nematodes and mites Increase flowering and fruit .
