Researcher to discuss benefits of using kelp as fertilizer

Julie Stricker
907-474-5406
Oct. 15, 2025

Brown kelp is draped over a rope suspended above the ocean — Photo by Wirestock/iStock
Seaweed, such as this alaria kelp harvested from the Pacific Ocean, is being studied for its use as a soil amendment in �Ӱ�ԭ��.

Kelp shows great promise for improving soil health and crop production in �Ӱ�ԭ��. Potential benefits include increased nutrient availability, improved soil pH, increased seed germination rates and increased crop biomass.

In a free webinar, Erin Oliver, a postdoctoral researcher with Washington State University, will discuss the lab and field studies conducted at the Matanuska Experiment Farm to investigate the effects of kelp on soil health and crop production. The webinar is hosted by the University of �Ӱ�ԭ�� Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service.

The goal of the lab and field studies is to determine the best method for applying kelp to �Ӱ�ԭ�� soils. Using �Ӱ�ԭ��-grown kelp in agricultural soils provides both economic benefits for the mariculture industry and an alternative to commercial, inorganic fertilizers produced outside of �Ӱ�ԭ��. Studies have found that the benefits of kelp vary by soil type and amendment rates, but little research has been done in �Ӱ�ԭ�� on this subject.

Oliver is a U.S. Department of Agriculture Climate Hub fellow for �Ӱ�ԭ�� agriculture stationed in Palmer. She is a soil scientist with experience working in soil health across a variety of landscapes. She received her doctorate in ecology from San Diego State University and the University of California, Davis, where her dissertation focused on the role of soil health in microbial carbon cycling.

The webinar is from noon-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

For more information, contact Molly Johansson at 907-786-6313 or mjohansson@alaska.edu.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made five business days in advance to Alda Norris at amnorris2@alaska.edu or 907-474-7120. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to individuals with limited English proficiency upon request to amnorris2@alaska.edu.

This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

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