One of the UK’s leading brands of biostimulants has enjoyed a record-breaking start to the year, reporting a 33% increase in year-on-year sales in the first six months of 2022.
MJP Supplies which distributes Algifol in the UK, sold more than 3,000 litres of the seaweed-based biostimulant between 1 January and 1 July.
“The rising cost of fertilisers, the hot weather and extremely low rainfall have all contributed to an uplift in sales as growers seek ways to help establish and then protect their crops,” says Marcus Palmer, owner of MJP Supplies. “We’ve also benefited from lots of repeat orders from growers who have seen the positive effect of Algifol in previous years.”
MJP Supplies has been selling Algifol in the UK since 2007, with average sales of 2,000 to 3,000 litres per year.
The effects of biostimulants, such as Algifol, have been well documented, from helping establish root structures to improving resistance to disease and extreme hot and cold weather.
Positive impact on crop growth
A study by Colla and Rouphael in 2015 found biostimulants had a positive impact on crop growth and yield, their nutritional quality, and abiotic and biotic stress tolerance.
Halpern et al., 2015 proved that biostimulants like Algifol enhance soil structure by simulating microbial activities and improving plant nitrogen uptake by altering plant morphological and physiological characteristics.
Made from brown algae, gathered from the ocean, dried and refined through special processes, Algifol boasts a wealth of trace elements, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, carbohydrates, polyuronides and growth-regulating plant hormones.
Algifol’s manufacturer – Neomed Pharma – says it is a natural nitrogen source due to the high presence of amino acids and peptides. This makes Algifol ideal for combined use with reduced amounts of N fertiliser. When used with a reduced amount of fertiliser, Algifol naturally improves the nitrogen use efficiency of the crop, producing a better crop and reducing the use of costly fertilisers.
Algifol is available in one litre (£21.99+VAT) and 10-litre cans directly from Marcus via his website – www.mjpsupplies.co.uk. Discounts are available for larger quantities which can be supplied to both growers and agrochemical companies for inclusion in their own fertiliser and biostimulant blends.
