Effects of seaweed fertilizer application on crops' yield and quality in field conditions in China-A meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#fertilizers #seaweed #china #crops-agricultural #crop-production

Effects of seaweed fertilizer application on crops' yield and quality in field conditions in China-A meta-analysis

Pei et al., 2024 | PLoS One | Meta Analysis

Citation

Pei Baolei, Zhang Yunpeng, ... Zhou Sa. Effects of seaweed fertilizer application on crops' yield and quality in field conditions in China-A meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2024;19(7):e0307517. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0307517

Abstract

Seaweed fertilizer, formulated primarily with seaweed extract as its main ingredient, has been extensively studied and found to significantly improve nutrient use efficiency, increase crop yield and quality, and enhance soil properties under field conditions. This growing body of evidence shows that seaweed fertilizer is a suitable option for sustainable agriculture in China. However, a comprehensive and quantitative analysis of the overall effects of seaweed fertilizer application in China is lacking. To address this gap, we conducted a meta-analysis of relevant studies on the effects of seaweed fertilizers under field conditions in China with MetaWin and SPSS software. Our analysis examined the effects of seaweed fertilizers on crop yield, quality, and growth under different preparation methods, application techniques, and regions. Our results showed that the application of seaweed fertilizer led to a significant average increase in crop yield of 15.17% compared with the control treatments. Root & tuber crops exhibited the most pronounced response, with a yield boost of 21.19%. Moreover, seaweed fertilizer application significantly improved crop quality, with elevations in the sugar-acid ratio (38.32%) vitamin C (18.07%), starch (19.65%), and protein (11.45%). In addition, plant growth parameters such as height, stem thickness, root weight, and leaf area showed significant enhancement with seaweed fertilizer use. The yield-increasing effect of seaweed fertilizers varied depending on their preparation and use method, climate, and soil of application location. Our study provides fundamental reference data for the efficient and scientific application of seaweed fertilizers in agricultural practices.

Key Findings

Our study provides fundamental reference data for the efficient and scientific application of seaweed fertilizers in agricultural practices.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Fertilizers
  • Seaweed
  • China
  • Crops, Agricultural
  • Crop Production
  • Agriculture
  • Soil

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: vitamin-c

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09