The James Hutton Institute has joined a groundbreaking new research initiative, Assessing Sugar Kelp Extracts as a Nutrient Management Tool (SKE-NMT), aimed at exploring seaweed’s potential to improve crop nutrition and soil health.
Led by Algapelago Marine Ltd in partnership with Atlantic Mariculture Ltd and the UK Agri-Tech Centre, the project investigates biologically driven nutrient management strategies that reduce dependence on mineral fertilisers while boosting plant resilience and soil ecosystem health.
Supported by Innovate UK and a network of industry collaborators, the research focuses on the use of sugar kelp-derived biostimulants to enhance soil microbial and fungal communities — critical players in nutrient cycling and organic matter breakdown.
The project builds on earlier findings, including an Innovate UK-backed study on low-energy kelp extraction techniques. It will assess how these seaweed-based products influence nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and lay the foundation for future large-scale field trials, according to a press release.
Previous studies have shown that seaweed extracts can significantly increase microbial diversity in the soil and improve crop yield and quality. This new research continues that momentum, investigating the potential of sugar kelp biostimulants — produced using innovative, energy-efficient methods — to support more sustainable, resilient agricultural systems.
“We are delighted to bring our expertise in seaweed biochemistry, biostimulants and crop trials to this important research project. Understanding how these novel low-energy seaweed extracts can maintain or improve crop yield whilst altering the soil microbiota and reducing inputs of nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers could provide new approaches for greener agriculture,” Dr. Gordon McDougall, research leader at the Hutton, said.
Cultivated kelp offers a scalable and sustainable alternative to wild-harvested marine biomass, yet its potential — particularly in applications such as biostimulants — remains largely untapped.
This pioneering project aims to build an innovative supply chain that places cultivated seaweed at the heart of the transition toward more sustainable global agricultural practices.
The James Hutton Institute will lead rigorous crop trials to assess the ability of low-energy seaweed extracts to enhance nutrient use efficiency (NUE). These trials will test yield responses under reduced nitrate and phosphate inputs, correlating improvements in nitrogen and phosphorus uptake with changes in soil microbial diversity and community structure.
By combining the development of novel seaweed-based technologies with strategies to improve NUE in arable and horticultural systems, the project directly addresses a growing challenge for UK farmers: maintaining productivity while cutting back on fertiliser use. Seaweed-derived supplements could offer a dual benefit — enhancing soil fertility while lowering carbon emissions.
Beyond the field, the initiative aims to strengthen the case for cultivated seaweed biomass as a reliable, eco-friendly input for both aquaculture and agriculture. A resilient supply chain for farmed seaweed not only supports marine ecosystems but could also become a foundation for year-round, well-paid employment in coastal communities — helping to move away from the volatility of seasonal jobs.
Ultimately, this research highlights the rising value of seaweed-derived biostimulants in sustainable farming. Cultivated kelp stands out as a promising tool for boosting soil health, improving nutrient efficiency, and supporting long-term agricultural resilience.
