{"id":7830,"date":"2020-04-30T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-04-29T23:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ficosterra.com\/ficosterra-compares-the-benefits-of-the-algae-macrocystis-pyrifera-to-the-other-algae-on-the-market\/"},"modified":"2025-04-01T13:28:15","modified_gmt":"2025-04-01T12:28:15","slug":"ficosterra-compares-the-benefits-of-the-algae-macrocystis-pyrifera-to-the-other-algae-on-the-market","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ficosterra.com\/en\/ficosterra-compares-the-benefits-of-the-algae-macrocystis-pyrifera-to-the-other-algae-on-the-market\/","title":{"rendered":"Ficosterra\u00b4s comparative study: Macrocystis pyrifera vs. Ecklonia and Ascophyllum in agricultural uses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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As part of our technical webinar series, Ficosterra hosted a session on April 2nd\u2014during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic\u2014focused on citrus farming<\/a>. 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.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Natural technology <\/strong>
for more efficient agriculture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the session, we presented in detail how our liquid and microbial biostimulants work:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cystium-k\u00ae<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

a pure extract from the giant seaweed Macrocystis Pyrifera<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Ficosagro\u00ae<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

an organic matter biodigester that promotes root growth<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Ficosturf\u00ae<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

a liquid biofertilizer that strengthens and regenerates soil health<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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We also shared real success stories<\/a> 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.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n

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What Makes Macrocystis Pyrifera Different?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the Q&A session, a technical advisor from Valenzuela & C\u00eda<\/a>\u2014a leading phytosanitary distributor in Andalusia\u2014asked a key question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What sets Macrocystis apart from more popular seaweeds like Ecklonia or Ascophyllum?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Alejandro Mart\u00ednez, Ficosterra\u2019s Technical Director, provided a thorough and clear answer, comparing the origin, harvesting methods, and agronomic value of each algae species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comparative overview of seaweeds<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ecklonia maxima<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Location<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Baja California, South Africa, Japan, and Korea<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Harvesting<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Growth<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Slow, reaching 1 to 4 meters in height<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Ascophyllum nodosum<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Location<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

East coast of the U.S. and Canada, northern Spain, southern France, the UK, Scotland, and Norway<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Harvesting<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Similar to Ecklonia\u2014cut in low tide zones, and the entire plant is harvested<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Growth<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Slow, reaching 1 to 2 meters<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Macrocystis pyrifera<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Location<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

South Pacific Ocean (excluding warm waters like Ecuador and Patagonia), also in Australia, the Falklands, and Tasmania<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Harvesting<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Collected in nutrient-rich, turbulent waters using fishing boats. Only the canopy (top layer) is harvested, allowing the plant to regenerate\u2014similar to pruning a tree.<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Growth<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Fast-growing, up to 60 cm per day, and can reach 30 to 40 meters in height<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Agronomic Value: What each seaweed contributes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alejandro also compared the agronomic benefits of each algae:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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01<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Ecklonia maxima<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Mainly auxin activity; Low-viscosity alginates (lower quality); Contains hormone-like precursors that activate plant growth indirectly<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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02<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Ascophyllum nodosum<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

High in cytokinin activity; Low-viscosity alginates; Contains energy polysaccharides that are hard to assimilate by plants<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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03<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Macrocystis pyrifera<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Why choose Macrocystis pyrifera?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Its characteristics make it an ideal biostimulant ingredient for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Combating abiotic stress, especially in saline or dry soils<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Stimulating root and aerial growth with its rich alginate and mineral content<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Increasing fruit size, firmness, and water retention\u2014especially beneficial in dryland farming<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Stimulating and multiplying beneficial soil microorganisms<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Liquid, Natural and <\/strong>Efficient Biostimulants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At Ficosterra, we are committed to developing organic and conventional biofertilizers that are sustainable, effective, and profitable\u2014without compromising the balance of the agroecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Field results in citrus: <\/strong>
Ficosagro\u00ae in action<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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In the same session, citrus farmer Juan Jos\u00e9 S\u00e1nchez L\u00f3pez shared his experience with Ficosagro\u00ae. 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 Castell\u00f3n.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After learning about biostimulants five years ago through his own research, Juanjo contacted Ficosterra to run trials with Ficosagro\u00ae\u2014and the results exceeded expectations:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Trial Highlights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2018 <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Marisoles Farm:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Significant increase in fruit size, even in third flowering, with fruits reaching 56.5 mm, an exceptional result<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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2019 <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Oronules Farm:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Up to 3 mm increase in fruit size during first flowering and a total 23.6% yield increase\u201cThat first flowering is where the money is,\u201d<\/em> Juanjo said, emphasizing how early performance translates into profitability.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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We invite you to hear a complete Juanjo\u2019s testimonial about the benefits of ficosagro biofertilizer in soil and production citrus<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Juanjo explains why he fully supports Ficosagro\u00ae\u2014for the soil, the flowering, the tree\u2019s health, fruit size, and of course, the farmer\u2019s income. We invite you to watch it on YouTube:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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