Impacts of seaweed extract byproduct application on plant performance and soil macro- and micro-nutrient availability

Acadian Seaplants Limited (ASL), a globally recognized leader in the processing of seaweed-based productsfor food, biochemical, agricultural markets worldwide, produces about 40,000 wet tonnes per year of a viscousseaweed insoluble residue (SIR) byproduct, which poses a disposal problem to the company. It is currentlyland-applied and but could be of concern environmentally if not recycled properly. Initial analyses of the SIRsuggests good potential for agricultural use while possibly posing some challenges due to its high pH, EC, C:Nratio and nutrient composition. In partnership with Acadian Seaplants Ltd. and Annapolis valley farmers, thisresearch will examine how application to soil of SIR, influences soil pH and available crop macro andmicronutrients nutrients and plant response to SIR when it is applied at various rates. This will involve testingof soil from farms where SIR was previously applied plus a greenhouse experiment to examine the response toa wider range of SIR application rates.Seaweed extract production has led to a rapidly developing industry in southwest Nova Scotia and the supplyof high quality value-added products to the agricultural community worldwide. This proposed research willbring together experts in soil science and industry scientists to explore further potential benefits arising fromuse of a byproduct of the expanding marine plant industry that is, as of yet, unexamined by research. Theresearch and research outputs comprise a key first step in allowing for a more complete use of the seaweedresource, minimizing landfill disposal and potentially adding value to a current industry waste, while providinga benefit to local farm operations.