Effect of seaweed extract on growth, yield and quality in different field crops: A review

Abstract

The excessive use of chemicals and inorganic fertilizers by farmers to increase crop yield is detrimental to the environment and human health. Application of bio-stimulants such as seaweed extract (SWE) in agriculture could be an effective and eco-friendly alternative to inorganic fertilizers. Bio-stimulants are natural organic degradable substances. Their application serves as a source of nutrition for crops, possibly improving growth and productivity when applied in combination with the fertilizers. The beneficial effects of seaweed on soil and crops have been empirically observed by farmers and confirmed by scientific studies. Foliar application of seaweed significantly enhanced the growth parameters, yield components, quality parameters in different field crops when compared to control.