Sustainability and cost efficiency are becoming increasingly crucial in the world of Agriculture and farmers are on a constant quest for solutions that enhance crop yields but also nurture, preserve and sustain the environment. Liquid fish hydrolysate fertiliser products represent a powerful tool for modern agriculture, bridging the gap between productivity and sustainability. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of farming practices, while its environmental benefits support the global push toward sustainable farming.
Types of Liquid Fish Fertilisers
Fish Emulsion
Fish emulsion, also called fish concentrate or soluble fish protein, is normally a by-product of the traditional fishmeal process. Fish is cooked, the cooked mass is “dewatered” using different methods, the water fraction containing some solids, dissolved solids and fish oil is sent to a decanter centrifuge where the oil fraction is removed from the liquid phase. The remaining water fraction containing some dissolved solids is reduced in an evaporator system until the solids portion is concentrated to approximately 30 – 35%. This liquid fish concentrate is usually added back to the fishmeal process to produce a whole fishmeal product. Excess fish emulsion which is not added back to the fishmeal process usually becomes available to be used as a fish emulsion fertiliser. The process of producing fish emulsion unfortunately exposes the fish proteins and other nutrients to heat for extended periods of time. Any process chemicals used during the fishmeal production process may end up in the final product which may have a negative effect on plant health and ultimately crop performance. The N.P.K. value of fish emulsion is normally higher than that of fish hydrolysate due to the concentration in the evaporator process.
Fish Hydrolysate
Liquid fish hydrolysate fertiliser is derived from wild caught fish and fish by-products. These raw materials are converted into a liquid form in a controlled process which retains a rich array of nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and a host of micro-nutrients and amino acids. This nutrient-rich solution is suitable for a variety of crops and different farming practices.
At Cape Bio Land we produce fish soluble proteins and liquid fish hydrolysate but we specialise in the production of cold processed fish hydrolysate products. These are dedicated produce products and not by-products of any other process. Our unrefined fish hydrolysate Atlantis LiquiFISH+ is ideal for soil applications where there is low risk of blocked irrigation nozzles.
Our refined fish hydrolysate Atlantis GroBEST+ is ideal for foliar or soil application through any size irrigation nozzles and will easily mix with other agricultural additives.
Selected raw fish is minced up and pumped into indirectly heated purpose built digester tanks. Some natural enzymes are added to the raw mixture and the temperature of the mass is slowly increased to <50 degrees whilst constantly stirred to get maximum efficiency of heating, mixing and the hydrolysis process.
The solid fish proteins in the raw material breaks down into liquid proteins, where after fish bones and excess fish oil is removed from the liquid fish hydrolysate before the liquid is screened to appropriate specifications.
Acid of customer choice is added to stabilise the product before storage in bulk tanks until dispatched to end users.
N:P:K values of liquid fish hydrolysate is usually lower than that of a fish emulsion, but the benefit is that fish hydrolysate is not exposed to heat and therefore preserved the natural goodness of the whole raw mass. No process chemicals are used in the hydrolysing process.
Why choose a Liquid Fish Hydrolysate Fertiliser?
- Rich Nutrient Profile: Liquid fish hydrolysate fertiliser provides essential macro- and micro-nutrients required for plant growth. It is particularly effective in boosting plant health and resilience.
- Improved Soil Health: Unlike synthetic fertilisers, liquid fish fertiliser enhances the organic matter in the soil, fostering microbial activity and improving soil structure. This leads to better water retention and aeration, which are critical for healthy root development.
- Increased Yield: Farmers using liquid fish fertiliser often report improved crop yields and quality. The balanced nutrient composition supports steady growth and productive harvests.
Which Crops would benefit from Liquid Fish Hydrolysate Fertiliser?
Liquid fish fertiliser is highly effective for a wide range of crops, making it a valuable addition to diverse agricultural operations:
Benefits for Sustainable Farming
- Reduction of Chemical Dependency: By reducing the use of synthetic fertilisers with fish hydrolysate fertiliser, farmers reduce the risk of chemical run-off, which can harm aquatic ecosystems.
- Carbon Sequestration: By improving soil organic matter, liquid fish fertiliser supports carbon sequestration, which helps mitigate climate change.
- Enhanced Biodiversity: liquid fish fertilisers make for healthier soils which support a diverse range of microorganisms which promote plant growth and also insects, thus contributing to a balanced and thriving ecosystem.
Locally Made, Sustainably Produced
Atlantis Sea-Agri Group is proud to produce a range of liquid fish hydrolysate fertiliser products locally made in Atlantis, near Cape Town. Our proximity to fish resources ensures access to enough raw material to supply our customers year round.
Here’s what sets our production process apart:
- Sustainable Sourcing: We use raw materials from sustainably harvested fish, reducing waste and supporting responsible fishing practices.
- Hydrolysation Process: Our factory employs taylor made cold hydrolysation technology, breaking down raw materials into nutrient-rich liquid fertilisers without losing their natural goodness.
- Storage capacity of 700 000 liters of final product in on site Stainless Steel tanks
“Our liquid fish fertiliser is more than just a nutrient solution; it’s a commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. The products made in South Africa are readily accessible, and produced to help farmers grow healthier crops today and for years to come,” says Atlantis Sea-Agri Group CEO, Wilhelm van Zyl.
Liquid fish hydrolysate fertiliser products represent a powerful tool for modern agriculture, bridging the gap between productivity and sustainability. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of farming practices, while its environmental benefits support the global push toward sustainable farming.
Please always consult with a trusted technical expert to ensure you achieve the best results from your selected liquid fish hydrolysate products.
To learn more about Atlantis Sea-Agri’s liquid fish hydrolysate products and our complimentary liquid kelp & seaweed products and to choose the right one for your needs, visit our website.
Contact Atlantis Sea-Agri Group today to learn more about our products and how they can benefit your farming operations or contact your technical advisor.
