The effect of invasive seaweed (Eucheuma spp.) and tankage, as a soil amendment, on sweet potato growth in two Hawaiian soils

Abstract

Sustainable agriculture practices apply management ideals that include a diverse assembly of farming methods, usually with a reduced reliance on purchased inputs. In Hawaiʻi, some foreign aquatic non-indigenous invasive seaweed species have established in high abundances, especially around the most populous island of O'ahu. Seaweed and seaweed products have been historically utilized in agriculture, and seaweed, kelp and macroalgae have been previously collected for use as a soil amendment for centuries. One of the attractive features of the non-native invasive seaweeds that are harvested on O'ahu is the apparent high K obtainability. Sweet potato grown in two Hawaiʻian soils and amended with invasive seaweed (Eucheuma spp.) demonstrate adequate plant quality when compared to control treatments.