Pioneering Fish Fertiliser Provides Biological Boost to Farm Soils

In an innovative development in the agricultural sector, British organic fertiliser manufacturer Biocore Agri has introduced a new fish-based fertiliser, Biocore Land, that claims to significantly enhance soil microbial life, benefiting both bacteria and fungi populations. The company has utilized Eurofins’ Soil Life Monitor tests in a series of trials to demonstrate the soil-enhancing properties of their product.

Biocore Land is created through cold hydrolysis, a process involving the shredding and mulching of fish unsuitable for human consumption. The resultant liquid organic fertiliser is rich in macro and micro nutrients, amino acids, trace elements, and organic matter, making it a versatile product that can be used directly on soil or as a foliar spray on plants.

Stephen Welsh, Managing Director of Biocore Agri, highlights the efficacy of Biocore Land in accelerating growth and improving crop yields. For instance, in a trial with lettuce, application of 7.0l/ha of the fertiliser reduced the growth cycle by three days—a 10% reduction in time. Further trials with VCS Agronomy and the British Carrot Growers Association showed carrot yields increased by 9.65%.

Eurofins Agro UK’s tests have shown that Biocore Land can increase microbial biomass by 85% and organic matter by 27%, with total bacteria and fungi also showing significant increases. A 15-hectare split field trial on grass revealed an 8.47% increase in grass protein and a 27% increase in organic matter, demonstrating the dual benefits to soil life and grass quality.