Short-term experiments on a wide range of crops have demonstrated increased yields, improved resistance to pests and disease and quick recovery from stress induced by drought, flood or other cause.

Main reasons put forward by the scientific community for responses that far exceed those expected from the chemical analysis that are a complete range of trace elements are found in the products and a wide range of complex organic compounds, including amino acids, oils, vitamins and, in the case of kelp, complex carbohydrates and growth regulatory substances.

Several modes of action are thought to exist.

• Direct stimulation of soil biological activity when applied to the soil, sometimes evidenced by the appearance of visual mycelial growth or the presence of large numbers of earthworms on the soil surface.
• Indirect stimulation of soil biological activity brought about by translocation of the stimulating factors from foliar applications to the roots. The root hairs respond by producing exudates which in turn stimulate soil microbes to release major nutrients for the plant.
• The promotion of bacterial blooms on the surface of plants. Many bacteria suppress the growth of damaging fungal diseases, such as mildews. Amino acids from fish or alginates and other carbohydrates from kelp provide frost resistance by lowering the freezing point of plant tissues.

Trial work has also strongly indicated that timing of applications is important. Sprays should be at high dilutions and responses are gradual and cumulative. Fish and kelp used in combination have a synergistic effect that gives superior results to either used alone.

A big part of getting good results from fish and kelp is to withdraw or reduce the use of chemicals and practices that adversely affect the soil’s biological health.