Trial Methodology & Validation
Botanova CropCore Kelp Range Trials
Botanova’s kelp-based biostimulant range has been through independent and controlled trials to validate efficacy claims, determine optimal application rates and to confirm the absence of phytotoxicity.
All trials were conducted by a registered SACNASP practitioner, in greenhouse environments to eliminate environmental variability.
Post-harvest measurements included biomass, root mass, and marketable yield, with statistical validation performed using ANOVA analysis to ensure both agronomic significance and statistical validity.
Across all crop groupings, an increase in marketable yield was recorded, ranging between 21% and 100%, depending on the species trialled.
Maize, Sweetcorn, Sorghum, Millet
Row Crops
Enhanced root development indicates improved water and nutrient uptake, supporting yield stability under variable conditions.
+21%
Increase in marketable yield
+48%
Increase in root weight
15%
Increase in cob weight
+68%
Increase in shoot biomass
Beans, Peanuts (Groundnut), Alfalfa, Lentils, Soya Bean
Legumes
This increase was driven by a combination of higher pod count per plant and increased average pod weight. Alfalfa trials further demonstrated improved drought stress tolerance.
+21%
Increase in marketable yield
+23%
In yield despite
reduced irrigation
Spinach, Lettuce, Cabbage
Leafy Vegetables
The high leaf surface area enabled efficient uptake of bio-available compounds, resulting in doubled yield relative to the control group at recommended application rates.
+100%
Increase in marketable yield
+48%
Increase in root biomass
+42%
Increase in total biomass
Tomato, Pepper, Chilli
Solanaceous Fruits
Increased flowering and vegetative growth are strong indicators of higher expected yield at harvest. Informal observations also recorded earlier flowering onset, suggesting improved crop vigour and productivity.
+83%
Increase in shoot biomass
+94%
Increase in flowering
Validated performance, not assumptions.