AlgaFlex is a concentrated liquid seaweed extract used to increase crop health, yield and quality. AlgaFlex is principally derived from Ascophyllum nodosum. Seaweed extracts from Ascophyllum nodosum have repeatedly show their ability to promote yield and plant health in both scientific and on-farm trials. AlgaFlex seaweed extract, is well-established as a biofertilizer and as a plant biostimulant.
As a biofertilizer, AlgaFlex is a balanced source of macronutrients, trace elements and organic carbon.
As a biostimulant, AlgaFlex promotes physiological responses which exceed those explained by chemical nutritional analysis alone. Biostimulation induced by seaweed extracts includes improved flower and ruit retention, increased yield, stronger root system development and improved tolerance to environmental stresses and diseases. In addition, it increases populations and activity of beneficial microbes.
Features:
- AlgaFlex liquid carries 30% suspended solids meaning that you get far more bioactive material compared to other seaweed products.
- The extraction method used to produce AlgaFlex involves no chemicals and so the naturally occurring active ingredients found in seaweed are preserved for uptake by the crop.
- AlgaFlex is certified for use in organic cultivation, but is also widely used in conventional farming to improve yields and maintain plant health.
Algaflex is mildly acidic, whereas many other seaweed products are strongly alkali. This has numerous advantages:
- If applied in a solution alongside other fertilizer products, AlgaFlex is less likely to cause the precipitation of fertilizer salts. This precipitation causes a loss of nutrients and the salt crystals can block spray nozzles and irrigation drippers.
- Solutions containing AlgaFlex can be used to coat seed potatoes without damaging the tuber or predisposing them to infection by scab bacteria.
- AlgaFlex can be used as a carrier for additional nutritional products, aiding their absorption and action in foliar applications. See Biotechnica’s Supra-range of foliar fertilizers.
- Solvents are not used in the aqueous extraction process allowing the material to be non-toxic and non-flammable.
AlgaFlex has an established and trusted British supply chain; from seaweed harvest to final processing. We have been producing seaweed extract this way for many decades.
The naturally occurring nutrients in AlgaFlex include:
- Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B12, C, D, E, K, choline and carotene.
- Bioactive amino acids including alanine, valine, glycine, isoleucine, serine, and tyrosine and stress protecting amino-betaines.
- Plant hormones: auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins.
- Macronutrients: nitrogen (0.58%), phosphorus (P2O5) 0.29%, potassium (K2O) 1.02%.
- Essential trace elements including boron, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc.
Application
AlgaFlex should be applied early in the crop cycle. Always dilute in water and apply as either a foliar spray or soil drench. Ensure the product has fully dispersed before starting application. If necessary, agitate the product to disperse. Flush application apparatus through after use and do not store diluted product for more than three days.
Incompatibilities
Alkaline products, such as potassium humate or potassium silicate. Contact Biotechnica for other seaweed products compatible with alkaline products. We cannot predict or guarantee tank mix success for any product; always conduct a bucket test to confirm compatibility.
Potatoes
Apply 3L/ha at tuber initiation to improve the set of shy varieties. Alternatively, AlgaFlex can be applied in furrow at planting. 1.5L/ha in two subsequent sprays over 28 days to retain strong green foliage, extending the bulking period and improving tuber yield and dry matter content.
Can be applied in combination with fungicide sprays throughout the growing season.
Scab: unlike other alkaline seaweed extracts on the market, AlgaFlex is mildly acidic, so diluted product can be applied directly to the seed potato skin without damage or predisposing them to infection by Streptomyces scabies.
Cereals
Use to increase yield and protein content and to protect against environmental stresses. Apply 3L/ha mixed with a pre-emergence herbicide in order to 'pump-prime' the soil microbial community.
3L/ha between 2 and 6 leaf stage (or in combination with pesticides).
2L/ha 28 days later to maintain healthy green foliage and strengthen plant defences.
Oilseed rape
Apply 3L/ha as soon as spring growth is evident. 3L/ha in late autumn for winter rape to produce a strong and resilient root system.
Sugar beet
Apply 2L/ha at 4 true leaf stage. Early use of AlgaFlex promotes vigorous seedling establishment better able to withstand stresses that may cause bolting in mid-summer.
2L/ha in two subsequent sprays over 6 weeks to maintain rapid vegetative growth, strong plant defenses and a beneficial soil biology.
Grassland
Apply 3L/ha during spring growth to stimulate chlorophyll production and promote tillering.
2L/ha during summer decline to maintain a strong root system over winter.
Silage: 3L/ha three weeks before each cut.
Top fruit and soft fruit
AlgaFlex can be applied as a foliar spray, root drench, through irrigation lines or as a root dip during planting.
Apply 2L/ha during flowering. Continue to apply in conjunction with other sprays during the season when strong vegetative growth is desired.
Root dips
Dilute 1 part AlgaFlex in 200 parts water. This is particularly useful in ensuring plants get off to a strong start producing a healthy robust root system that can better ward off soil-borne diseases. Ask your Biotechnica representative for details of our compatible root dip gels and stickers.
Protected edibles and ornamentals
Regular applications from the transplant stage when strong healthy growth is required. Dilute 1 part in 200 parts water and apply through irrigation or sprayers.
Regular use on tomatoes results in increased soluble solids.
Compost activation
AlgaFlex also makes an excellent compost activator. Once diluted, it provides a rich source of nutrition for aerobic microbes. It also provides the trace elements zinc and iodine, which, if deficient, can limit the microbial digestion of plant material.
Organic cultivation
AlgaFlex is approved for use in organic cultivation by the Organic Farmers and Growers Association.