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agritech.tnau.ac.in/agriculture/PDF/Role%20of%20growth%20substances.pdfSeaweed extracts have been proven to accelerate the health and growth of
plants. The actions of it are many. Being of biological origin, seaweed extracts have
tremendous applications in conservation agriculture. Seaweed stimulates beneficial soil
microbial activity, particularly in the pockets of soil around the feeder roots resulting in a
substantially larger root mass. where the beneficial fungi and bacteria known as
"mycorrhizae" make their home. This area of the soil is known as the "rhizosphere." The
rhizosphere activity improves the plants ability to form healthier, stronger roots. Having
many actions it also enhances the plants own natural ability to ward off disease and
pests.
A good example has been observed that aphids and other types of sap feeding
insects generally avoid plants treated with seaweed. At the same time it works within the
soil to make more nutrients available to the plant. The rhizosphere forms a nutrient food
bank for the plant it can draw on in times of stress. Another action seaweed has on the
roots in the rhizosphere is due again to the increased mass and depth of the roots the
plant is able to draw more moisture from the soil increasing the drought tolerance level.
The root mass also allows the plant to more effectively absorb and use fertilizers that are
applied to the plant and soil. The overall stronger root structure may help plants
physically resist certain types of root diseases.
Seaweed enhances photosynthesis via increasing a plants chlorophyll levels.
Chlorophyll is what gives plants their green color. By upping the level of chlorophyll the
plant is able to efficiently harness the suns energy. Along with this seaweed contains a
complex range of biological stimulants, nutrients, and carbohydrates. To date more than
60 different types of nutrients in seaweed have been confirmed. However seaweed in
itself is not a plant food, rather it is classified as a "bio-stimulant."
Seaweed extracts contain natural plant growth regulators (PGR) which control
the growth and structural development of plants. The major plant growth regulator is
auxins, cytokinins, indoles and hormones. The PGRs in seaweed are in very small
quantities generally measured in parts per million. It only takes a very small amount of
these to do the job. Indole compounds help the development of plant roots and buds.
