Maize

Cold-brewed seaweed nutrition engineered for the high-energy demands of maize production, from rapid early establishment and canopy development through to tasseling, grain fill and soil recovery.

AgriSea's seaweed-based biostimulant products have been helping growers improve crop performance and resilience for over 25 years. Made from sustainably harvested New Zealand brown kelp (Ecklonia radiata) and cold-brewed using our proprietary process, AgriSea preserves the natural spectrum of bioactive compounds that support plant performance, root function and yield quality.

Maize rewards early momentum. Strong seedling emergence, rapid leaf area expansion and efficient nutrient uptake during the "grand growth" phase are critical for setting yield potential. AgriSea helps provide that foundation by supporting root-zone biology, nutrient availability and plant resilience when timing matters most.

Key Benefits

14% increase in dry yield

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$873.09 more return per hectare after costs

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Better drought performance, 22 t/ha vs 19 t/ha regional average in a 70-year drought

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10x better response than USA seaweed products in corn research

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Significant increases in soil biological activity including up to a 150% increase in earthworm populations

Stronger root systems through auxin stimulation

Improved nutrient efficiency through stimulation of soil biology to unlock legacy phosphorus and nitrogen

Improved crop stress performance through key bioactive stimulation

The AgriSea Difference: Why Our Brewing Process Matters

Not all seaweed extracts are equal. Many commercial products use alkaline or heat-based hydrolysis, which can compromise the sensitive biological compounds that drive crop response.

AgriSea's cold-brewing process uses no harsh heat or chemicals. Instead, Ecklonia radiata is processed at ambient temperatures so that naturally occurring compounds remain functional.

For maize, this matters in three ways:

Intact Signalling Compounds: Support the critical windows of cell division and reproductive development.
Preserved Phlorotannins: Help the crop manage oxidative stress during the intense heat of the summer grain-fill period.
High-Molecular-Weight Alginates: Improve the soil's moisture-holding capacity and structure, keeping the "soil engine" running through the season.

Specific Help for Your Crop

Practical guidance for using AgriSea with maize crops at different stages

Establishment stage

This is when the crop germinates, emerges, and establishes its first roots and leaves. It is key because plant population, uniformity, and early root development set the foundation for the whole season. Poor establishment is hard to correct later.

Applying Soil Nutrition, Soil+ or Combo+

Supports faster, more even emergence

Encourages stronger early root development

Helps seedlings cope with cold, wet, or dry early conditions

Improves early nutrient uptake and crop uniformity

Early vegetative stage

At this stage, maize is building leaf area, roots, and biomass. The crop is capturing sunlight, taking up more nutrients, and building the structure needed to support later yield. It is key because setbacks here can reduce crop vigour and limit yield potential.

AgriSea Foliar and Ocean Nutrition

Lifts plant vigour during active growth

Supports root activity and nutrient use

Helps the crop recover from early stress or herbicide effects

Builds a stronger, more resilient plant going into rapid growth

Reproductive transition stage

The plant shifts from vegetative growth into reproduction. Flowering structures are developing, and the crop becomes more sensitive to environmental stress. This is key because stress here can reduce pollination success and lower yield potential before grain is even set.

AgriSea Foliar and Ocean Nutrition

Helps buffer the crop against heat and moisture stress

Supports plant balance during a high-pressure period

Improves resilience leading into flowering

Protects yield potential at a critical transition point

Grain fill stage

After pollination, the crop fills kernels by maintaining photosynthesis and moving nutrients into grain. This stage is key because grain size and final yield depend on keeping the plant active and healthy for as long as possible.

AgriSea Foliar and Ocean Nutrition

Helps maintain green leaf area and photosynthesis

Supports continued nutrient movement into grain

Assists recovery from ongoing seasonal stress

Helps protect grain fill and final yield

Application Rates and Timing

Follow these recommended application rates and timing for optimal maize crop performance.

Foliar & Side-Dress Nutrition

Target: The Leaf

Mix Rate: Minimum 1:100 ratio with water.

Growth Stage

Application Rate

Intent

Specific Benefit

Early Vegetative

Foliar Nutrition 5L/Ha
Ocean Nutrition 5-10L/Ha

Establishment

Drives rapid leaf expansion and root depth to establish a strong photosynthetic factory early.

Reproductive transition stage

Foliar Nutrition 5L/Ha
Ocean Nutrition 5-10L/Ha

Reproductive Support

The plant shifts from vegetative growth into reproduction. This is key because stress here can reduce pollination success and lower yield potential before grain is even set.

Grain Fill

Foliar Nutrition 5L/Ha
Ocean Nutrition 5-10L/Ha

Energy Translocation

Enhances photosynthetic efficiency and supports the movement of sugars into the cob for better test weights.

Soil Nutrition, Soil+ or Combo+

Target: The Root Zone, Fertigation or Soil Drench.

Growth Stage

Application Rate

Intent

Specific Benefit

At Planting (In-furrow)

Soil Nutrition 5L/Ha
Soil+ 20kg/ha
Combo+ 30kg/ha

Early Strike

Reduces "transplant" shock for the seed and stimulates rapid microbial colonisation for nutrient access.

Pre-Side Dress

Soil Nutrition 5L/Ha
Soil+ 20kg/ha
Combo+ 30kg/ha

Microbial Wake-up

Stimulates soil biology to unlock bound nutrients just as the crop's demand spikes.

Post-Harvest

Soil Nutrition 5L/Ha
Soil+ 20kg/ha
Combo+ 30kg/ha

Soil Recovery

Replenishes soil biology and helps break down crop residue (stover) into organic matter for the next season.

Note: These are general guidelines. Actual application rates may vary based on crop stage, field conditions, soil type, and specific challenges. For specific advice tailored to your operation, consult with an AgriSea field consultant.

Case Studies & Research

Explore on-farm case studies, independent trials and peer-reviewed research insights demonstrating how AgriSea supports maize production across New Zealand.

CASE STUDIES

Maize & Corn – Trial Results from New Zealand and the USA

From a commercial maize-for-human-consumption trial in Otorohanga to an organic drought crop in Northland, a 20-year silage operation in Taranaki, and independent efficacy testing in the United States – the results are consistent. AgriSea delivers measurable yield advantages across a wide range of growing conditions.

+14%

Dry Yield – Otorohanga

14.09 t/ha dry vs 12.36 t/ha conventional

+16%

Drought Performance – Northland

22 t/ha vs 19 t/ha regional average

10x

Product Concentration – USA

Stronger than top US seaweed product

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