Benefits of seaweed bokashi in tomato cultivation

The effectiveness of
Seaweed Bokashi in tomato

The application of seaweed bokashi in intensive crops has become a new sustainable tool capable of enhancing them at a low cost.

This technique, which mixes fermented seaweed with other organic materials, is proving to be an effective solution for regenerating soil, increasing productivity, quality, and sustainability of crops.

Trials conducted with this organic amendment at the Parks and Gardens Unit of the Madrid City Council, both in Moruno tomatoes from Aranjuez and in Tagetes, showed practically incredible results for the municipal staff themselves. Tomato production tripled, and the fruit quality was the best compared to trials with a high-quality substrate and another with worm castings.

This trial, supervised by the prestigious nursery engineer Francisco Javier Spalla and the technical team of Ficosterra, offers a valuable perspective on how farmers can achieve higher yields sustainably.

What is
Seaweed Bokashi?

Seaweed bokashi is a fermented organic fertilizer that combines seaweed with other materials, such as plant residues, molasses, and microorganisms. Unlike chemical fertilizers, bokashi regenerates the soil, strengthens the microbiota, and provides nutrients naturally.

The seaweed bokashi marketed by Ficosterra is registered as an organic amendment by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture and organic certified by Sohiscert. Its formula includes: 40% seaweed bokashi, 10% vermiculite, and 50% coconut fiber.

Characteristics of the tomato trial,
Moruno variety

Location

Greenhouse Unit, Retiro Park nurseries, Madrid City Council.

Duration

From March 8 to August 3, 2017.

Objective

Compare the performance of three types of substrates in the production of Moruno tomatoes from Aranjuez and Tagetes.

Materials Used

Seed trays and 44 cell trays.
Moruno tomato seeds from Aranjuez and Tagetes seeds.
3 test substrates:
- German universal substrate (control).
- Artisanal substrate: 40% worm humus, 10% vermiculite, and 50% coconut fiber.
- Ficosterra-G seaweed bokashi: 40% seaweed bokashi, 10% vermiculite, and 50% coconut fiber.

Trial Results:
Which was the best substrate?

Substrate	Tomato Production	Growth Quality	Stress Resistance
Universal Substrate	36 tomatoes	🌱 Rapid growth, but weak	❌ Low resistance
Artisanal Substrate	46 tomatoes	🌿 Vigorous growth	✅ Medium resistance
Ficosterra-G	90 tomatoes	🌳 Strong and uniform growth	⭐ High resistance

Seaweed bokashi produced the highest number of tomatoes (90 units), while the universal substrate produced 36 units. Additionally, the quality of the stems and plant resistance were also superior with Ficosterra-G.

Why use Ficosterra-G Seaweed Bokashi
in your crops?

Increases Production

It has been proven that in tomato cultivation,
production can triple compared to other substrates.

Improves Fruit Quality

More uniform, stronger, and larger tomatoes have been achieved.

Strengthens Resistance

Protects plants against environmental stress.

Sustainability

Natural and environmentally friendly fertilizer.

“Expedientes Nº08/25/BU/0017 y Nº08/25/BU/0055
Expansión internacional y consolidación de mercados para Ficosterra
Proyecto de subvención destinadas a financiar proyectos de expansión internacional de las PYMES de Castilla y León (2025), con el objetivo de impulsar su presencia en nuevos mercados exteriores y fortalecer su competitividad a nivel global”

Ficosterra participates in Biofach, the world’s leading organic products fair

The effectiveness of
Seaweed Bokashi in tomato

What is
Seaweed Bokashi?