Our interest centers on the way in which plants absorb Sea Spray, how it is
transported from the roots and leaves to those areas of the plants which require
it (how does foliar spraying work when most people think of plant nutrition
as a one-way trip from the roots to the leaves), what the active ingredients
of Sea Spray are, and what forms of plant growth and development the active
ingredients are responsible for.
Plants range in size and complexity from small, nonvascular mosses,
which depend on direct contact with surface water, to giant redwood trees,
the largest living organisms, which can draw water and minerals through
their vascular systems to elevations of more than 100 m (more than
330 ft).
SeaSpray is created from a non-vascular plant which is delivered by spray
systems to primarily vascular plants.
Tissue Systems
Three tissue systems are recognized in vascular plants: dermal, vascular,
and ground (or fundamental).
Dermal System
The dermal system consists of the epidermis, or outermost layer, of the plant
body. It forms the skin of the plant, covering the leaves, flowers, roots, fruits,
and seeds. The epidermis may contain stomata, openings through which gases are
exchanged with the atmosphere and it is through these openings that the micronutrients
and growth hormones contained in Sea Spray can be absorbed by the leaves of
the plant. A vascular network runs through the leaf, providing the cell
walls with water and removing the food products of photosynthesis, as
well as Sea Spray, to other parts of the plant.
Vascular System
The vascular tissue system consists of two kinds of conducting tissues:
the xylem, responsible for conduction of water and dissolved mineral
nutrients, and the phloem, responsible for conduction of food. The
xylem also stores food and helps support the plant.
In simple terms the vascular system runs from the roots up and from the leaves
down, providing two ways for Sea Spray to be distributed to areas of the plant.
Ground System
The ground tissue systems of plants consist of three types of tissue. These
three tissues and the above mentioned mentioned vascular tissues which also
exist in the roots, function to anchor the plant to its substrate and to
absorb water and minerals.
According to Dr.T.L.Senn, of Clemson University , "Plants absorb
nutrients through their leaf and stem tissues as well as by root intake."
"The leaf is not solid but contains many small openings that permit
transfer of gases and water vapor. Elements may also enter the leaves through
the cell walls."
So it can be seen that the tiny amounts of micronutrients and growth hormones
required for plant growth and development which are contained in seaweed
products can be absorbed into the plant in a variety of ways and then translocated
to the area of the plant which requires it through a two way vascular system.
Research has shown that seaweed products are absorbed with equal effectiveness
through the roots by soil drench or by regular applications of foliar spraying
(see the directions for further information on application rates and guidelines
for usage). Because little benefit has been demonstrated of spraying highly
concentrated NPK fertilizers directly on leaves it is assumed by seaweed researchers
that seaweed products have an effect on plant growth and development through
other means. Research conducted worldwide over several decades suggests the
probable answer lies in the micronutrients and growth hormones contained in
the fastest growing plants on earth(giant kelp/Sea Spray).
Dr. T.L. Senn, states in his book, Seaweed and Plant Growth,
The strength of the stem is very important and early applications of
seaweed extract have resulted in stronger stems that are able to withstand
the stress of wind and rain. 4-11
HORMONES 
".....all developmental processes are influenced
to some degree by one or more kinds of hormones." Dr. T.L. Senn Ph.D. 8-1
Plant hormones, specialized chemical substances produced by plants, are
the main internal factors controlling growth and development. Hormones
are produced in one part of a plant and transported to others, where they
are effective in very small amounts. Depending on the target tissue, a given
hormone may have different effects.
Thus, auxin, one of the most important plant hormones, is produced
by growing stem tips and transported to other areas where it may either
promote growth or inhibit it. In stems, for example, auxin promotes cell
elongation and the differentiation of vascular tissue, whereas in roots
it inhibits growth in the main system but promotes the formation of adventitious
roots. It also retards the abscission (dropping off) of flowers, fruits,
and leaves.|
Gibberellins are other important plant-growth hormones; more than
50 kinds are known. They control the elongation of stems, and they cause
the germination of some grass seeds by initiating the production of enzymes
that break down starch into sugars to nourish the plant embryo. Cytokinins
promote the growth of lateral buds, acting in opposition to auxin; they
also promote bud formation. In addition, plants produce the gas ethylene
through the partial decomposition of certain hydrocarbons, and ethylene
in turn regulates fruit maturation and abscission.
Hundreds of research reports have been written about seaweed and
the micronutrients and growth regulators contained within them. Despite
all the attention which has been given these humble dwellers of the sea
much is still unknown about them. When referring to what the active components
of seaweed likely are, researchers commonly use such terms as: probably
contains; likely; possible; probable, and so on. It is clear that although
many of the active chemical compounds, and micronutrients have been identified
still others remain to be identified. Scientists are also unclear about
the exact mechanisms which cause the effects on plant growth and development
which they have documented over decades.
As Dr. T.L. Senn said, " The reasons why seaweed extracts are beneficial
to plant growth are still not fully understood. This is not so difficult
to appreciate, for anyone working with plants knows that nature reveals
her secrets reluctantly."
There are various methods used to identify the individual organic and inorganic
compounds present in seaweed, including gas liquid chromatography. Without identifying
individual compounds, scientists can test for responses in plant material which
resemble the responses of plants to known individual compounds, such as cytokinins,
auxins and gibberellins, through the use of bio-assays. They simply apply the
seaweed concentrate in whatever form they choose (foliar spray, meal, or liquid
soil drench) and wait to see the reaction. This can be done in field, hothouse,
or lab trials.
Farmers and gardeners should not become too involved in the science of why
seaweed products produce the results which have been demonstrated over decades
of scientific research, field observations, and practical experience. Rather,
they should concentrate on the benefits and results of using seaweed products
in their homes, gardens, and fields.
MICRONUTRIENTS
Dr. T.L.Senn says,
"Micronutrients are "micro"in the sense that only very small
amounts are required by plants.......and are part of the balance of plant nutrients
controlling growth and development through their activity in enzyme systems.
They are needed by growing plants in greater quantity than the soil can supply."
Michael Colgan, PhD writes,
"Until the mid1940s, farming practices returned essential nutrients
to the soil by mulching, manuring and crop rotation........Soils supported by
synthetic fertilizers now comprise over 90% of agricultural land in America.
Their stores of the minerals essential for human health (and plant health, ed.)
have been progressively depleted, as they are absorbed by each succeeding crop
and never replaced.........Right now we are going from bad to worse. As soils
have become progressively depleted of minerals, plant scientists have developed
hybrid grains and vegetables that can flourish on fertilizers alone."
Or as Dr. T.L. Senn states, "More and more NPK each year per acre is just
not getting the job done." 12-5 "Growers are seeing more soil
problems." 12-6
Dr. T.L.Senn states in his book, "In recent years the results of scientific
research provided evidence that seaweeds contain more than 70 microelements
and that the representation in these plants is considerably higher than it is
in terrestrial plants. Of organic substances, marine algae contain, in addition
to carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and vitamin substances of a stimulating and
antibiotic nature." 3-4
Seaweed contains more than 70 identified microelements plus organic compounds
such as growth regulators. NPK fertilizers could not possibly contain all of
the microelements and growth regulators which are contained in Sea Spray.
Dr. T.L Senn states that, "when seaweed extracts are used at the recommended
times and rates it will supply the amounts of iron, zinc, copper, molybdenum,
cobalt, boron, manganese, and magnesium that most crops require"
Plants use tiny amounts of the micronutrients often measured in parts per million
or billion. This helps to explain why foliar spraying can be an effective way
(in addition to soil drench) to deliver these nutrients to the plant. The plant
only needs to absorb tiny amounts of the nutrients through the openings in the
surface of the leaves where they are absorbed through the cell walls and translocated
by the vascular system to the areas of the plant which requires them. NPK fertilizers
cannot be efficiently absorbed into the plant by foliar spraying and are therefore
better supplied to the plants in traditional fashion through the soil.
In addition to those micronutrients which are contained in seaweed products
seaweed has been demonstrated to assist in the release of micronutrients which
already exist in the soils but which are unavailable to the plant because they
are in an insoluble form. Chelating (chemically altering the form) a micronutrient
makes it available for use. Seaweed contains several chelating agents the most
important of which is mannitol. Thus seaweed can provide more micronutrients
to the plant than the seaweed itself contains.
Dr. T.L.Senn states, "Reports that seaweed releases unavailable minerals
from the soil have been made. 3-5
Micronutrients have many functions in crop plant growth and development.
The amount and availability of micronutrients will vary with soil types and
the demand by different crops. Even though the amounts required by plants are
small, the micronutrients are just as essential as the nitrogen, phosphorus,
and potassium, and in some areas even more so. .....Micronutrients are (also)
necessary for plants in times of plant stress, such as flowering, maturing,
and during periods of drought. 7-4