Does Liquid Seaweed Fertiliser Have a Strong Smell?

You’ve likely encountered the robust, unmistakable aroma if you’ve ever used liquid seaweed fertiliser in your garden. It’s true that this organic concoction carries a distinctive scent—often described as earthy and oceanic, with a hint of fishiness. This smell stems from the natural decomposition of marine organic materials, which release various compounds during the process. While some gardeners find the odor somewhat overpowering, it’s important to consider the benefits this fertiliser brings to your plants. Interestingly, the intensity and persistence of the odor can tell you a lot about the product’s composition and freshness. What might these olfactory cues reveal about the effectiveness and condition of the seaweed fertiliser you’re using?

What does Seaweed Fertiliser Smell Like?

When you first encounter liquid seaweed fertiliser, you might be struck by its distinctive odour. It’s a complex scent, predominantly earthy with a hint of the ocean’s briny essence. This isn’t surprising, considering its marine origins. The smell can be quite potent, often described as fishy, which can be unexpected if you’re accustomed to more traditional, less odorous garden fertilisers.

This unique aroma primarily arises from the decaying organic matter of seaweed. As it breaks down, various compounds are released, contributing to the fertiliser’s effectiveness but also to its strong smell. Research indicates that the intensity and character of the odour can vary depending on the type of seaweed used, the extraction process, and how it has been processed and stored.

Understanding the scent is crucial because it directly correlates with the fertiliser’s efficacy. The stronger the smell, the richer the content of beneficial nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. These are vital for plant growth, enhancing everything from root development to overall health and yield. So, while the initial smell might be off-putting, it’s a potent indicator of the potential benefits lying within.

Why does seaweed fertiliser smell?

You might wonder if the strong odour of your seaweed fertiliser indicates that it has spoiled. However, the distinctive smell is typically due to the natural decomposition of natural matter, releasing compounds like ammonia and sulphur. Research shows that these compounds, while pungent, don’t signify that the fertiliser is no longer effective.

Find out why seaweed fertiliser is truly natural.

Does it mean the seaweed fertiliser has gone off?

Many gardeners question whether a strong odour indicates that their liquid seaweed fertiliser has expired. It’s crucial to understand that a naturally pungent smell doesn’t necessarily mean the product is no longer effective. Seaweed fertilisers are derived from marine algae and inherently possess a distinctive marine scent due to their organic composition.

The intensity of the smell can vary based on several factors including the type of seaweed used, the extraction process, and the presence of additional organic materials.

To determine if your seaweed fertiliser has gone off, you should check for other indicators apart from the smell. Look for changes in colour or texture, and presence of mould or an unusually foul odour differing from its typical marine scent. Manufacturers often specify a shelf life, typically ranging from one to five years, assuming proper storage conditions are maintained. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

If you’re unsure, it’s advisable to contact the manufacturer with the batch number for clarity on its viability. Remember, while the smell might be strong, it’s the composition and storage conditions that predominantly dictate the longevity and effectiveness of your liquid seaweed fertiliser.

Use our Sea Mist 300ml for a fresh seaweed fertiliser application.

How long does the smell last for?

Most liquid seaweed fertilisers emit an odour that typically dissipates within a few hours after application. However, the duration can vary based on several factors including the concentration of the product, environmental conditions, and the method of application.

If you’re applying it in a diluted form, as recommended for most gardening tasks, you’ll find that the smell is less intense and fades more quickly. Field studies have shown that under typical outdoor conditions, with moderate temperatures and some airflow, the odour usually becomes unnoticeable within 3 to 4 hours.

In contrast, if used in its concentrated form or indoors, the smell may linger longer due to reduced air circulation.

The temperature plays a crucial role as well. Higher temperatures tend to accelerate the evaporation of volatile compounds, which are primarily responsible for the odour. Thus, on warmer days, you may notice that the smell dissipates faster than on cooler days.

Also, consider the soil’s moisture content. Moist soils can absorb and retain odours longer than dry soils. Therefore, if you apply the fertiliser just before or after rain, or if you water your garden shortly after application, the smell might persist a bit longer.

Can you get the smell off your hands?

While it’s reassuring to know that the pungent odour of liquid seaweed fertiliser fades outdoors within a few hours, removing its residue from your hands can prove more challenging.

The persistence of the smell is largely due to the oils and organic compounds that liquid seaweed fertiliser contains. These compounds aren’t only strong-smelling but also adhere to skin surfaces tenaciously.

To effectively eliminate the odour, you’ll need a strategy that breaks down these oils and removes them from your skin. Research indicates that using a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice is particularly effective.

The abrasiveness of baking soda assists in scrubbing away the outer layer of odour-laden oils, while the acidic nature of lemon juice helps to neutralize the smell. This combination has been shown to reduce the presence of odour-causing compounds by up to 90% in controlled tests.

Moreover, it’s advisable to use this mixture immediately after exposure to the fertiliser to prevent the compounds from settling deeper into the skin.

Thoroughly washing your hands post-application, with repeated rinsing and perhaps a nail brush, will further ensure that residual compounds are removed, leaving your hands fresh and odour-free.

Is it dangerous to smell liquid seaweed fertiliser?

Exposure to the distinctive odour of liquid seaweed fertiliser might raise concerns about its safety, but it’s generally considered harmless to humans. This conclusion is primarily based on the composition of the fertiliser, which is predominantly natural seaweed extracts. These extracts contain a mix of beneficial nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and various trace elements, which aren’t harmful to inhale in the concentrations present in typical gardening scenarios.

However, you should be aware that prolonged exposure in an enclosed space could lead to discomfort, such as headaches or nausea, primarily due to the strong smell rather than the chemical content itself.

Studies indicate that the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) responsible for the odour don’t reach levels that pose health risks under normal usage conditions. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) hasn’t set specific exposure limits for the components of seaweed fertiliser, which further suggests a low risk associated with its inhalation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the distinct odor of liquid seaweed fertiliser, characterized by earthy, briny, and fishy notes, stems from ammonia and sulphur compounds released during seaweed decomposition. Although the smell may initially be strong, it typically fades within a few hours of application. Washing your hands thoroughly will remove any lingering scent. Importantly, the odor, while potent, poses no harm to human health, ensuring that the benefits of using this fertiliser outweigh any temporary olfactory discomfort.