Farmers are increasingly recognising the multiple benefits of applying algae extracts as nutritional solutions on crops. Numerous experimental evidences over the years have clearly shown that the use of algae extracts positively influences plant growth, general health and crop yield and quality (Ali O, et al. Plants. 2021). Despite the existence of thousands of algae species, only a few are used in agriculture: among the most widely used are those of the Pheophycaeae family, such as Ecklonia maxima, Ascophyllum nodosum and Laminaria spp.

 

The algae, subject to the constant movement of the tides, face particularly stressful conditions and adapt physiologically, developing natural defence mechanisms against water, heat and salt stress situations, thus acquiring important properties for use as biostimulants in agriculture. K-Adriatica ricognises the crucial importance of high quality algae extracts and has developed a line of nutritional solutions enriched with algae extracts to maximise crop benefits.

 

Algae have a very complex composition, comprising carbohydrates, amino acids, hormones, alginates and other elements. Their positive effects derive from a synergic action, rather than from the presence of individual components: it has been shown that the breakdown of the extracts and the efficacy tests of the individual components cannot replicate the positive impacts of the application of the complete extracts. It is important to emphasise that the content of these active substances is strongly influenced by the growth phase, the harvesting season and, above all, the harvesting and processing methods adopted.