Studying the effectiveness of a bladderwrack-based fertilizer
- The developed fertilizer consists of 70% bladderwrack and 30% natural plant and mineral additives. The bladderwrack that accumulates on the shores and dikes of the North Sea Region is collected and processed. The great potential of this type of algae is currently not being exploited. With the further use of the washed-up material, coastal protection and ecology are combined, Frank Gaupels, Project Manager at Ökowerk Emden explains.
In the beginning of March, Ökowerk Emden launched a call for participation in a Citizen Science Study on “Hoorn-Power”, as they called this special fertilizer, where they were looking for people interested in testing this product, comparing plant growth with and without fertilizer addition and sharing their experiences. The goal was to get 50 participants (private only, not commercial), who already have some experience in growing vegetables in their home garden or allotment.
- So far, over 50 people have already collected their test kits along with an evaluation sheet, in which the participants will give details on the test plants, test fields, and the outcome in terms of growth and yield of their little experiment. Latest at the end of the growing season, we will summarize the results of the Citizen Science Study, Frank concludes.