© GreenWave
The three-year project aligns with Rodale Institute’s mission to advance regenerative organic agriculture and promote the health of both soil and ocean ecosystems.
Kelp-based biostimulants are rich in trace elements, minerals and amino acids in a naturally chelated form, designed to enhance soil microbial activity and improve plant resilience. The goal is to evaluate the biostimulant’s potential to support soil health, improve climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, and optimise crop performance, specifically for lettuce and sweet pepper.
“For centuries, farmers have turned to the ocean to restore soil health. Today, we’re reviving that tradition to tackle modern challenges,” said Bren Smith, co-founder of GreenWave, in a press release.
“We’re honoured to partner with the cutting-edge researchers at Rodale Institute to explore how kelp biostimulants can help land farmers withstand drought and heat and rebuild soil health. This collaboration is a crucial step in bridging land and ocean agriculture for more resilient, sustainable food systems.”
While the immediate focus of this project is on evaluating the effects of the biostimulant, the partnership also lays the groundwork for broader, long-term research. Future trials could explore the full potential of ocean-derived products to address global challenges such as climate change, soil degradation and food security.
“This collaboration with GreenWave is a crucial step toward understanding the connections between the health of our soils and the health of our oceans," said Jeff Tkach, CEO of Rodale Institute. "We are excited to see the impact of these innovative biostimulants on soil health and crop productivity. This project could be the starting point for long-term research that will help us develop regenerative, holistic solutions for farmers.”
The project will be carried out under the supervision of Dr Dinesh Panday, Rodale Institute's soil scientist, who will serve as the principal investigator of the project. In addition to the research objectives, the project will include an outreach component designed to disseminate findings to regenerative organic farmers, supporting them in adopting sustainable soil and nutrient management practices. The outreach will help farmers understand the benefits of integrating ocean-derived products into their systems, as well as provide practical guidance on applying biostimulants to enhance productivity and soil health.
