[ojs]

Is seaweed better than manure?

[Trillium]

Both have benefits. Seaweed generally tends to provide a lot of extra elements while manures generally provide the basic NPK nutrients. I personally use a combination of both to cover all my soil nutrient bases.

Here's more info on seaweed:  http://journeytoforever.org/farm_library/seaweed.html

Here's info on manures: http://www.allotment-garden.org/fertilizer/farmyard-animal-manures.php

Be aware that some manures are infected with a glyphosphate type of spray and will affect your own crops, so you'll need to ask your manure supplier if aminopyrallid was used at all on crops eaten by his/her animals (the chemical passes through the animal and straight into the manures).

As for seaweed, its a touchy subject on whether or not you can simply harvest wild seaweed. Some folk say its illegal now, others insist its not. More folk, myself included, prefer to use processed seaweed called kelp meal which is salt free and ready for immediate use. Its a bit pricey but you don't need much.

[stompy]

prefer to use processed seaweed called kelp meal which is salt free

Do you think the salt in freshly gathered seaweed would discourage soil bourn slugs?

[arugula]

I don't think the salt is strong enough to deter slugs. I collect seaweed from the beach with permission from the landowner* and I don't always rinse it that thoroughly. Still have plenty slugs.   




*Shoreline ownership relating to seaweed harvesting:

http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/shoreline_management_briefing_note.pdf

Approximately half of the UK foreshore and around half of the tidal riverbeds are owned
by the Crown and managed by The Crown Estate,

The intertidal zone is otherwise known as the foreshore.

[Bing]

does anyone ever used the weeds fron a river bank? and how good it does to soil? I live quite near Thames River and tempted.

[stompy]

You have got to be carefull with some fresh water weeds as they can do just as well on land and become a real problem.