Field‑Proven Trials Reveal Big Yield Gains with Seaweed Biostimulants

Proven Benefits for Potatoes, Carrots, and Other Crops

 

Croptek Bio has conducted extensive trials over the past three years, testing the impact of seaweed-based biostimulants on multiple crop types. The results have consistently demonstrated improved yields, better plant resilience, and higher quality produce. These findings reinforce the effectiveness of SeaPhyte, SeaFol, and carefully selected bacterial and mycorrhizal treatments across different agricultural settings.

 

Potato Trials: Increased Yields and Consistency

Across multiple years of trials, the application of seaweed-based biostimulants has consistently improved potato yields. The initial introduction of these treatments resulted in a yield increase of over 40% in treated areas. Even under conservative estimates, a 25% increase was regularly observed, demonstrating both profitability and reliability for growers.

Trials simply using Seaweed-based biostimulants placed in-furrow showed results of 15-22%+, whilst other trials using Seaweed biostimulants only applied regularly through the season showed results of 8-12% increases in yield, especially in non irrigated fields.

 

Marshland Potato Trial Results 2023–2024

Croptek Bio’s split-field trials assessed the effects of biostimulants on two different potato cultivars, Jelly (2023) and Electra (2024). The improvements were significant:

2023 (cv Jelly):

Mean tuber weight increased by 16.5% (150.2g to 174.9g)

Mean number of tubers per plant rose by 22.1% (9.4 to 11.5)

Mean yield per plant saw a 42.3% increase (1414.0g to 2011.9g)

Tuber Yield Comparison – Jelly 2023 - Untreated Control (left) v Treated Croptek Biostimulants Programme (Right)
Tuber Yield Comparison – Jelly 2023 – Untreated Control (left) v Treated Croptek Biostimulants Programme (Right)

 

2024 Results (cv Electra)

Sample numberControlTreated
112.5618.24
211.3815.88
39.8215.99
411.2715.09
57.8812.04
610.8615.98
TOTAL63.7793.22
MEAN Yield per sample10.6283315.53667
MEAN Yield per plant (kg)1.7713892.589444
Each sample is a single 2m section of row containing 6 plants

 

 

Tuber Yield in Electra 2024 - Control Untreated
Tuber Yield in Electra 2024 – Control Untreated
Tuber Yield in Electra 2024 - Treated Croptek Biostimulants Programme
Tuber Yield in Electra 2024 – Treated Croptek Biostimulants Programme

 

This equates to a 46% increase in both total yield and yield per plant for the treated samples.

Conclusion: The Croptek Bio programme enhanced tuber weight, number, and overall yield across both years. These results demonstrate its strong potential for improving potato productivity, making it a valuable tool for growers looking to maximise output.

 

Carrot Trials: Improved Disease Resistance and Saleable Quality

Carrot trials in Aberdeenshire applied similar treatments. While overall yields remained stable, the overwintered crops displayed greater disease resistance, leading to a higher proportion of saleable produce. This demonstrates another valuable benefit of biostimulants—enhancing crop health and quality even when yield remains unchanged.

 

Protection Against Late Spring Frosts in Various Crops

Trials across salad crops, planted vegetables, potatoes, soft fruits, and grapevines revealed that biostimulants can mitigate the impact of late spring frosts. Applying 1 litre per hectare in 100–200 litres of water significantly reduced frost damage. Treated crops experienced:

Fewer losses

Faster recovery from frost damage

More effective regrowth

 

Why Seaweed Biostimulants Work

The success of these treatments is due to their unique composition:

Nutrient-Rich Formula – Contains nine essential trace elements, bioactive compounds, phytohormones, betaines, and potassium.

Natural Wetting and Penetrating Agents – The bioactive compounds in seaweed act as organic wetters and penetrants, improving nutrient absorption and reducing plant stress.

Plant-Compatible pH – Unlike synthetic alternatives, seaweed-based treatments are gentle on plants, lowering the risk of scorch and promoting healthier growth.

 

Conclusion: A Reliable Solution for Improving Yields and Crop Health

The data from Croptek Bio’s trials consistently demonstrate that seaweed biostimulants are a reliable and profitable investment for farmers. Whether improving potato yields, enhancing disease resistance in carrots, or protecting crops from frost damage, these treatments offer tangible benefits across multiple crop types.

 

Take Action: Discover What Seaweed Biostimulants Could Do for Your Crops

Farmers looking to improve crop performance and resilience should consider integrating seaweed biostimulants into their agronomic practices. Contact Croptek Bio to learn more about optimising your yield potential with these scientifically tested treatments.

For information and advice call our friendly team on 01553 886393 or send us a message online.

 

Martin Noble is Director of Croptek Bio, part of the Croptek Group of companies. 
He has over 40 years experience in the fertiliser industry.