Kelp biostimulants boost barley yields in trials

The study 'Assessing Sugar Kelp Extracts as a Nutrient Management Tool' is investigating how Sugar Kelp Extract (SKE) biostimulant formulations can support more efficient nitrogen management in arable systems. Early glasshouse results indicate that barley plants treated with three SKE preparations achieved yield increases at both 66% and 100% of recommended nitrogen application rates.

Researchers noted that the yield response at higher nitrogen levels suggests the biostimulants are enhancing nitrogen use efficiency rather than simply stimulating general plant growth. No measurable differences were observed in plant growth, development, or overall appearance between treated and untreated crops during the trials.

The findings are particularly relevant as growers face continued pressure to reduce fertiliser inputs while maintaining productivity and lowering environmental impact. By improving how crops utilise available nutrients, kelp-based biostimulants may offer a route towards more resilient and resource-efficient farming systems.

Head of the Plant Biochemistry and Food Quality Group at the Hutton, Dr Gordon McDougall, said the results highlight the potential of low-energy, UK-grown seaweed products as part of a wider toolbox for sustainable crop production.

He said: “Improving, or indeed maintaining, barley grain yield and quality with reduced fertiliser inputs by application of green, low energy biostimulants from UK cultivated seaweeds provides another weapon in the armoury to reduce input costs in a period of fertiliser price volatility and to reduce the overall nutrient load on our farming systems.”

The project is being led by Algapelago Marine Ltd with support from Innovate UK, in collaboration with industry and research partners including Atlantic Mariculture Ltd, the The James Hutton Institute and the UK Agri-Tech Centre.

Further glasshouse and field trials are planned to confirm whether the early benefits are replicated at commercial scale.