Utilization of Waste Sugar Kelp Crops as a Soil Amendment for Land Farms and Gardens

Commodities

• Miscellaneous: other

Practices

• Crop Production: fertilizers
• Soil Management: soil analysis
• Sustainable Communities: sustainability measures

Each year, regional kelp farmers are left with thousands of pounds of kelp which cannot be harvested for food due to biofouling. This project will determine what, if any, positive impacts these crops can deliver to soil in order to develop a product utilizing end of season kelp from local farms. This project, led by an ocean farmer, will partner with land farms to deliver sustainably grown native sugar kelp which is leftover after the traditional season to be used as a topical soil amendment (dried and mulched ) and measure the impact it has on the soil health and crop yield across these farms as well as understanding the perceived market value to local farmers. The kelp-based soil amendment will be evaluated for  impact and efficiency for ocean farmers and land farmers.  

Objective 1: Develop a Biofouled Kelp-Derived Soil Amendment

Develop a cost-effective and efficient post-harvest soil amendment from biofouled sugar kelp crop waste that small farmers and gardeners can use to improve crop yield and reduce the need for chemical inputs as well as improve water retention in soil.

Objective 2: Evaluate the Economic and Environmental Impact

Assess the economic impact of providing an alternative sales channel for biofouled kelp on the income of kelp farmers based on the drying process and perceived market value of a kelp-based soil amendment. Evaluate the environmental benefits of utilizing the kelp-based soil amendment for terrestrial farming, focusing on the reduction of chemical inputs, improved soil health, and enhanced water retention. 

Objective 3: Share Project Findings with Community

Share findings of the kelp-derived soil amendment project among kelp farmers, small farmers and gardeners in the region.