Ficosterra ends all doubts of uses the ficosturf and cystium-k® biostimulants in the Golf courses

April 21, 2020

cystium-k®: the most complete and ecological biostimulant on the market

June 21, 2020

Ficosterra´s comparative study: Macrocystis pyrifera vs. Ecklonia and Ascophyllum in agricultural uses

April 30, 2020

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As part of our technical webinar series, Ficosterra hosted a session on April 2nd—during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic—focused on citrus farming. The session highlighted the unique advantages of the seaweed Macrocystis Pyrifera compared to more widely used seaweeds such as Ecklonia and Ascophyllum nodosum, both commonly used in the production of agricultural biostimulants.

These webinars have become a valuable communication channel with distributors and farmers, launched during the state of emergency, with the goal of sharing knowledge about biofertilization and sustainable technologies for agriculture and sports turf management.

Natural technology
for more efficient agriculture

During the session, we presented in detail how our liquid and microbial biostimulants work:

Cystium-k®

a pure extract from the giant seaweed Macrocystis Pyrifera

Ficosagro®

an organic matter biodigester that promotes root growth

Ficosturf®

a liquid biofertilizer that strengthens and regenerates soil health

We also shared real success stories and field experiences that demonstrate the positive impact of our natural liquid fertilizers and biostimulants in crops such as citrus, berries, vegetables, and in sports turf and golf courses, where our bio and organic solutions have proven to be highly effective.

What Makes Macrocystis Pyrifera Different?

During the Q&A session, a technical advisor from Valenzuela & Cía—a leading phytosanitary distributor in Andalusia—asked a key question:

What sets Macrocystis apart from more popular seaweeds like Ecklonia or Ascophyllum?

Alejandro Martínez, Ficosterra’s Technical Director, provided a thorough and clear answer, comparing the origin, harvesting methods, and agronomic value of each algae species.

Comparative overview of seaweeds

Ecklonia maxima

Location

Baja California, South Africa, Japan, and Korea

Harvesting

Grows on rocks in coastal zones; harvested at low tide or by boat. The whole plant, including reproductive organs (spores), is cut, which destroys the organism.

Growth

Slow, reaching 1 to 4 meters in height

Ascophyllum nodosum

Location

East coast of the U.S. and Canada, northern Spain, southern France, the UK, Scotland, and Norway

Harvesting

Similar to Ecklonia—cut in low tide zones, and the entire plant is harvested

Growth

Slow, reaching 1 to 2 meters

Macrocystis pyrifera

Location

South Pacific Ocean (excluding warm waters like Ecuador and Patagonia), also in Australia, the Falklands, and Tasmania

Harvesting

Collected in nutrient-rich, turbulent waters using fishing boats. Only the canopy (top layer) is harvested, allowing the plant to regenerate—similar to pruning a tree.

Growth

Fast-growing, up to 60 cm per day, and can reach 30 to 40 meters in height

Agronomic Value: What each seaweed contributes

Alejandro also compared the agronomic benefits of each algae:

01

Ecklonia maxima

Mainly auxin activity; Low-viscosity alginates (lower quality); Contains hormone-like precursors that activate plant growth indirectly

02

Ascophyllum nodosum

High in cytokinin activity; Low-viscosity alginates; Contains energy polysaccharides that are hard to assimilate by plants

03

Macrocystis pyrifera

Rich in medium- and high-viscosity alginates (MV, HV), which are higher quality and easily absorbed; Strong hormonal activity, high in vitamins A, B, D, E and essential amino acids; Natural antioxidant properties

Why choose Macrocystis pyrifera?

Its characteristics make it an ideal biostimulant ingredient for:

Combating abiotic stress, especially in saline or dry soils

Stimulating root and aerial growth with its rich alginate and mineral content

Increasing fruit size, firmness, and water retention—especially beneficial in dryland farming

Stimulating and multiplying beneficial soil microorganisms

Liquid, Natural and Efficient Biostimulants

At Ficosterra, we are committed to developing organic and conventional biofertilizers that are sustainable, effective, and profitable—without compromising the balance of the agroecosystem.

Whether in fruit trees, vegetables, sports turf, golf courses, or green areas, our natural liquid inputs are designed to improve soil health, enhance water use efficiency, and increase yields with bio-based solutions.

Field results in citrus:
Ficosagro® in action

In the same session, citrus farmer Juan José Sánchez López shared his experience with Ficosagro®. With over 20 years as a field technician for Cultivos Valencia, he manages irrigation systems, fertilizers, treatments, pruning, and labor for over 60 hectares between Sagunto and Castellón.

After learning about biostimulants five years ago through his own research, Juanjo contacted Ficosterra to run trials with Ficosagro®—and the results exceeded expectations:

Trial Highlights:

2018

Marisoles Farm:

Significant increase in fruit size, even in third flowering, with fruits reaching 56.5 mm, an exceptional result

2019

Oronules Farm:

Up to 3 mm increase in fruit size during first flowering and a total 23.6% yield increase“That first flowering is where the money is,” Juanjo said, emphasizing how early performance translates into profitability.

We invite you to hear a complete Juanjo’s testimonial about the benefits of ficosagro biofertilizer in soil and production citrus

Juanjo explains why he fully supports Ficosagro®—for the soil, the flowering, the tree’s health, fruit size, and of course, the farmer’s income. We invite you to watch it on YouTube:

For more information about our products, feel free to contact us at: info@ficosterra.com

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Ficosterra ends all doubts of uses the ficosturf and cystium-k® biostimulants in the Golf courses

cystium-k®: the most complete and ecological biostimulant on the market