Today from the Artal Blog we come to talk to you about the algae Ascophyllum nodosum, everything you should know such as its properties and benefits within the world of agriculture.
If you want to know more about this alga, we encourage you to continue with us.
What is the algae Ascophyllum Nodosum
Ascophyllum nodosum is a type of yellowish-brown seaweed that belongs to the Fucaceae family.
It is found predominantly on the coasts of the North Atlantic, ranging from the cold waters of the Arctic to the temperate coasts of Europe and North America.
This algae has been the subject of numerous studies due to its notable biochemical composition and its multiple applications in various fields, especially in agriculture.
Ascophyllum nodosum algae are distinguished by their rich content of sulfated polysaccharides, polyphenols, mannitol and proteins.
These components not only give it beneficial properties for plants, but also have potential applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
Additionally, Ascophyllum maintains a symbiotic relationship with the endophytic fungus Mycosphaerella ascophylli, which provides resistance to adverse environmental conditions, such as desiccation.
Uses in agriculture
The use of Ascophyllum nodosum in agriculture has gained popularity due to its positive effects on plant growth and development.
Seaweed extracts, known as biostimulants, are used to improve nutrient absorption, increase crop yields and improve resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
These extracts are applied to a wide variety of crops, including fruits, vegetables, cereals and ornamental plants.
Benefited crops and specific applications
Products derived from Ascophyllum nodosum are particularly effective on high-value crops such as citrus, grapes, tomatoes and ornamental plants.
In citrus and grapes, for example, algae extracts have been shown to significantly increase fruit yield and quality. In the case of tomatoes, studies have shown an improvement in plant height, root and shoot weight, as well as an increase in the content of essential minerals such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
In addition to improving crop quality and yield, the use of Ascophyllum in organic farming helps reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
This is not only beneficial for the environment, but also promotes long-term soil health and sustainability.
Additional applications in the field
Beyond direct use in crops, it is also used to improve soil structure and fertility.
The extracts of this algae contribute to increasing microbial activity in the soil, which improves the availability of nutrients for plants.
It has even been used for seed treatment, increasing its germination rate and vigor.
Properties of Ascophyllum Nodosum
Below, we list the numerous advantages and properties of this algae related to agriculture.
Biochemical composition and benefits
The algae Ascophyllum nodosum is a rich source of bioactive compounds. Among the most notable components are:
Sulfated polysaccharides (fucoidans): These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and play a crucial role in protecting plants against environmental stress.
Polyphenols: They contribute to the antioxidant capacity of the algae, protecting plants from damage caused by free radicals.
Mannitol and alginate: These carbohydrates are not only sources of energy, but also help retain moisture in the soil, improving its structure and water availability for plants.
Effects on plant growth and health
Ascophyllum nodosum extract (ANE) has been repeatedly demonstrated as an effective plant growth promoter.
Applied in low doses, ANE acts as a biostimulant, improving nutrient absorption and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Studies have shown that crops treated with ANE present a significant improvement in parameters such as plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll content and biomass production.
Additionally, ANE has the ability to regulate hormonal activity in plants, particularly auxins, which are essential hormones for plant growth and development.
This comes into a better root development and greater efficiency in nutrient absorption.
Environmental impact and sustainability
The use of Ascophyllum nodosum in agriculture not only benefits crops, but also has a positive impact on the environment.
By reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, soil and water pollution is reduced, promoting more sustainable agricultural practices.
Furthermore, the collection and processing of these algae is carried out in a sustainable manner, ensuring that the marine ecosystem is not damaged.
As we can see, it is a seaweed with exceptional properties that make it a valuable resource for modern agriculture. Its use as a biostimulant not only improves the yield and quality of crops, but also contributes to the sustainability and health of the environment.
By integrating products derived from Ascophyllum nodosum into agricultural practices, a more efficient and ecological agriculture is promoted, aligned with the principles of sustainability and respect for nature.
Ascophyllum Nodosum in Artal
At Artal, manufacturers of fertilizers in Spain, we have 2 products related to this algae that we will present to you so that you know all its properties and benefits.
Algaton
Algaton is an Artal physiological inducer based on natural extracts of Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed, enriched with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and molybdenum.
This product stands out for its high stimulating power due to the presence of natural phytohormones (cytokinins, auxins, gibberellins), amino acids and carbohydrates such as alginic acid and mannitol.
Algaton stimulates the growth, flowering and ripening of fruits, improves the homogeneity and resistance of fruits to transportation and helps plants overcome stress situations.
Advantages of its use
- Stimulates metabolic and physiological activity
- Improves flowering, fruit setting and ripening
- Increases the resistance of fruits to transportation
- Both foliar an radicular applications
Recommended crops
- Fruit trees (pip and pit)
- Citrus
- Vegetables
- Extensive crops
- Ornamental crops
Organic Algaton
On the other hand, at Artal we also have our organic Algaton product, an ecological physiological inducer based on Ascophyllum seaweed extracts, certified for use in organic farming according to European and NOP regulations.
It is rich in natural phytohormones (cytokinins, auxins, gibberellin), amino acids and carbohydrates such as alginic acid and mannitol, it stimulates the growth, flowering and ripening of fruits.
Increases resistance to stress and improves the homogeneity and transport of the fruits
What are its advantages
- Stimulates metabolic and physiological activity
- Improves flowering, fruit setting and ripening
- Increases the resistance of fruits to transportation
For which crops is its use recommended?
- Fruit trees
- Citrus
- Vegetables
- Cereals
- Ornamental crops