Description

Kelp Flakes are made from 100% pure sundried Ecklonia maxima milled to a 2-3mm dried flake.

Commonly known as brown seaweed, it is gathered on the West Coast of South Africa after being fed by the nutrient rich cold Benguela current that runs north from the Antarctic.

Ecklonia Maxima contains micro, and macro nutrients, Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) and the full range of amino acids. As well as this, natural growth hormones, auxins and cytokinins which are present, are easily taken up by land plants. Kelp Flakes are a great organic amendment to prepare your super soil. 

As an application to improve soil quality, Kelp Flakes build up the humus structure of the soil and provides vitamins and micro and macro nutrients as an effective crop feed. It breaks down over time resulting in long lasting plant food for healthier soil and plants.

How we sustainably make our kelp products

The kelp is harvested in a concession area on the West Coast of South Africa. Dried kelp is beach cast kelp and is collected by hand from the high water mark or from the rocks as the sea disperses of it during high tide or stormy conditions. If it’s wet beach cast, it can be used for wet processing or left out to dehydrate in the sun. The beach cast product is collected and milled into chunks for easy transport to the processing plant.

Once Kelp is harvested, it is then washed with fresh water to rid it of excess sea salt and then it is dried and powdered. It is very important that it is harvested at just the right time to ensure that the cytokinin levels are at their peak. Cytokinins are growth hormones responsible for cell division in plants.

Transport permits and processing permits are required to do this. The processing factory has the correct Fish Processing Establishment (FPE) permits to process wet and dried kelp.

The dried kelp is now milled down to a size of 2-3mm or kelp meal 20#. There are no additives to this product, it is pure natural dried Ecklonia maxima. All regulations, reports and payments are made to DEFF (Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries) as required and sustainable “good practice” is strictly adhered to. Environmental impact assessments are done when required by DEFF.

Growth Hormones 

Perhaps the most important aspect of kelp is the growth hormones. Kelp contains ample quantities of auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins. All growth hormones play a part in how a plant functions, and are more accurately called growth regulators.

Kelp has very high amounts of a particular hormone, cytokinin. Cytokinins are responsible for cell division, cell enlargement, differentiation of cells, development of chloroplasts as well as a delay in ageing.

When kelp is used regularly you will notice that the overall health of the plant will increase and that when applied at certain times major growth will occur.

Great Source of Potassium (K)

A major nutrient group (NPK) needed in the whole life cycle of the plants in the vegetative and flowering stage.

Benefits List

• Rich in Potassium (K) 
• Growth Hormones - Contains ample quantities of auxins, gibberellins and cytokinins.
• Contains Mannitol - a great chelator (makes nutrients bioavailable)
• Contains over 60 essential elements
• Increased nutrient uptake in plants
• Stronger root and leaf growth
• Increased microbial activity in soil
• Faster rooting & Improved seed germination
• Higher marketable yields
• Improved soil health
• Builds up humus
• Slow release plant food
• Provides macro and micro nutrients
• Improved disease and pest resistance
• Improved water retention
• Counter nearly any nutrient deficiencies

Composition

Per kg of Kelp Flakes:

• Phosphorus (P) 17.27g
• Potassium (K) 40.84g
• Sulfur (S) 9.41g
• Magnesium (Mg) 8g
• Iron (Fe) 94.62 mg
• Manganese (Mn) 25.14 mg
• Copper (Cu) < 1 mg
• Zinc (Zn) 11.59 mg
• Boron (B) 111.9 mg
• Molybdenum (Mo) < 1 mg

How to use

5ml = 1 teaspoon | 15ml = 1 Tablespoon | 240ml = 1 Cup

Organic Amendment

Soil Mix Dosage: 12ml Kelp Flakes per 1L substrate 360ml Kelp Flakes per 30L substrate Frequency: When mixing/revitalizing a substrate Application:  Get a container or set a tarp on the ground. Add the substrate, Kelp Flakes and other organic soil amendments. Mix well and water lightly. Cover the soil to avoid pests and keep soil from drying out. Recommended to let the soil sit for approx. 2 months before use.

Top Dressing Dosage: 3ml Kelp Flakes per 1L substrate 90ml Kelp Flakes per 30L substrate Frequency: Apply every 3 weeks before a watering Application:  Evenly distributed on top of the substrate. Follow with a normal watering. Always use dechlorinated water for organics. Can top dress with other organic soil amendments at the same time.

Garden Bed Amendment Dosage: 240ml - 480ml Kelp Flakes per m2 of garden bed Frequency: Applied every 6-8 weeks Application:  Evenly distributed on top of the soil. Follow with a normal watering. Always use dechlorinated water for organics. Can top dress with other organic soil amendments at the same time.

Compost Dosage: Use approx. 5kg Kelp Flakes per m³ Not more than 2% of total volume. Activate with composting soil microbes: Byodyne Environoc 501. Worm Bin Feed your worms some Kelp Flakes: The worms and microbes turn the kelp into a form the plant can use it, which helps produce some of the highest quality worm castings. What you put in is what you get out.

1L of Kelp Flakes (approx. 650g)

For placement of large orders contact us at: office@greenhouston.co.za