Frequently asked questions about Kelpak

Kelpak Insights, answers and support

We have compiled a number of questions that are often asked by farmers and end-users. Our technical team has numerous trials to refer to as well as unique insights provided by farmers and distributors. Should any of your questions not be answered below please contact our team or head office for more advice:

• What is so special about the cellburst process?

  Most other seaweed extracts make use of chemicals, heat, mincing, crushing, micronising or freezing to extract the active elements found in the Kelp. These methods can significantly effect the consistency of the product. The unique Kelpak cold Cellburst process extracts kelp sap at a cellular level ultimately ensuring an effective, consistent and reliable end-product.

• Do you add any macro- or micronutrients to Kelpak?

  Kelpak is a concentrated liquid seaweed extract containing nutrients that occur naturally in the kelp species Ecklonia maxima. The product does contain soluble potash (1% K₂O) and most micronutrients.

• Is Kelpak harmful to bees or wild life?

  Kelpak is manufactured using no chemicals and without harmful additives. Toxicology reports indicate no harmful effects on bees, birds, fish or mammals.

• My dog drank some Kelpak solution! Will he be ok?

  Toxicology reports indicate no harmful effects on bees, birds, fish or mammals but if your dog starts to photosynthesize contact your vet immediately

• Will the THC in my Cannabis plants be increased when I apply Kelpak to it?

  We unfortunately have no experience in growing cannabis or THC content although we can say Kelpak is beneficial to all plants of all shapes and sizes and will improve all aspects of plant growth and health thereofre it may result in an improved 'crop' yield.

• Can Kelpak be applied in combination with other agricultural chemicals?

  Kelpak can safely be added in a tank mix with pesticides, fungicides and other agrochemicals. To maintain the product's performance in spray mixes, keep the pH below 7 and add the Kelpak last. Care should be taken to never dilute Kelpak more than 1:500 for foliar applications and 1:1000 for drip irrigation.

• Can I use Kelpak in my hydroponic system?

  Kelpak can be applied successfully through hydroponic nutrient flow systems. For optimum effect, we recommend that Kelpak is diluted no more than 1:1000 (1 part Kelpak to 1000 parts of water/nutrient solution). Kelpak should be applied as a pulse and not more frequently than 10 days apart. It is important to maintain the pH of the water/nutrient solution below 7.

• Can Kelpak be applied only once per season?

  Applying Kelpak only once in a season may not offer the full benefit of the product. While Kelpak can technically be applied to plants whenever new growth is required, we normally recommend a crop specific program for application. Kelpak’s crop specific application recommendations are based on intensive scientific studies and when followed closely will ensure that you get the best result by applying it at optimal growth stages.

• Is it possible to ‘over-dose' my crops with Kelpak?

  It is unlikely overdosing can occur as Kelpak can be applied relatively undiluted, even up to 10% solutions. Recommended dilution rates as indicated on our labels are based on over 40 years’ worth of scientific inquiry, ensuring that the user gets the best return on investment. It is also very important to adhere to our recommended optimal application timings for best results.

• How long can I keep Kelpak once it is opened?

  After opening, we recommend that Kelpak be stored in a cool, dry area and be used within 3 weeks. Since Kelpak is made from a natural source, it is susceptible to microorganisms in the environment. Although these microorganisms may grow on/in Kelpak after opening, the beneficial activity of the product remains intact for long periods of time, however, clogging of irrigation or spray equipment may occur if fungal growth does occur.

• Can Kelpak be used instead of fertilizer?

  Over the years agronomists have developed many varied spray programs to help farmers achieve a better return on their crop. Kelpak cannot take their place, however, when included in traditional spray programs, Kelpak has been proven to benefit other applications already in place, improving plant health and yields, ultimately resulting in a better return on investment for the farmer.

• Can I apply Kelpak through my center pivot irrigation?

  Although it is possible to apply Kelpak through your center pivot irrigation we recommend not to dilute the concentration of the product more than 0.1%. Since a large volume of water is required in center pivot irrigation, it might not be economically feasible to apply Kelpak using this method.

• What is the best time of day to apply Kelpak sprays?

  As with other systematic agrochemicals, Kelpak should be applied at times when both the plant is metabolically more active as well as when environmental conditions are favorable. Too hot or too cold temperatures will reduce optimal absorption by the plant. Wet leaf surface, and applying during extremely dry or humid conditions will also affect absorption negatively. It is therefore ideal to apply Kelpak early in the morning or late in the afternoon (night), when the outside temperature is moderate and wind speeds are below 15 km/h.

• How do I treat stressed plants with Kelpak?

  Depending on the nature of the stressful environment and the physiological state of the plant, plants can be treated either with a foliar application or with a root drench. For stressed plants that are wilted (salt stress, drought stress, sun scorch etc), we recommend pouring Kelpak at the base of the plant with a watering can at a concentration of 0.5-1%. The stomata of wilted plants are closed and will therefore not absorb any significant amount of Kelpak, when applied to the foliage.
  For stressed plants that are not wilted (hail damage, animal feeding, disease) apply Kelpak as a foliar spray at a concentration between 0.3-0.5%.

• Do I need to add a wetter / spreader / pH buffer to the Kelpak mix?

  pH buffer: Since most foliar nutrients are more active and more readily absorbed at a pH between 4 and 7, we recommend adding a pH buffer when the pH of the spray mixture is above 7.
  
  Wetter/spreader/sticker: It is advantageous to add a wetter/spreader/sticker to the spray mix as it increases the area that Kelpak has in contact with the leaf surface and promotes absorption. A sticker product is recommended for upright plants with waxy cuticles (such as onions)

• Can I apply Kelpak onmy certified organic crop in my region?

  Kelpak Liquid Seaweed Concentrate has been approved by WSDA for use as an organic input in the USA. Please  enquire directly with our head office regarding product distribution in your area.