The technology behind Ecoganic
Ecoganic's difference lies in the origin of its raw materials. While most biostimulants on the market use marine algae extracts, Ecoganic uses unicellular algae extracts grown in fresh water. A difference that has direct consequences on agronomic efficacy and crop safety.
Why fresh water and not marine algae?
| Feature | 🌊 Marine algae | 💧 Ecoganic (Freshwater) |
|---|---|---|
| Salt content | High — adds sodium and chlorides to soil | Salt-free — no salinization risk |
| Biostimulant concentration | Variable — depends on origin and season | High and constant — controlled cultivation |
| Leaf burn risk | Moderate to high at high concentrations | Minimal — no salt |
| Fertigation compatibility | Limited at high doses | Total — 100% soluble, no residues |
| Suitable for salt-sensitive crops | With caution (avocado, citrus, strawberry) | Yes — no restrictions |
How do Ecoganic algae extracts work?
Root stimulation
Promote root hair proliferation and increase root absorption surface.
Phytohormonal regulation
Contain auxin and cytokinin precursors that regulate vegetative growth and fruit set.
Water efficiency
Improve stomatal regulation and tolerance to water and thermal stress.
Nutrient absorption
Act as carriers that facilitate the transport and assimilation of macro and micronutrients.
Plant-origin amino acids — not animal
Ecoganic amino acids come from non-genetically modified (non-GMO) soy. Unlike animal-origin amino acids (derived from feathers, leather or meat by-products), Ecoganic's plant amino acids are accepted without restrictions in certified organic farming under CE 2018/848, NOP USDA and JAS.
Technology summary
- ▸Chlorella unicellular algae grown in fresh water
- ▸No salt or chloride input to soil
- ▸Non-GMO soy amino acids
- ▸100% water soluble
- ▸Triple certification: CE 2018/848 + NOP USDA + JAS
Unique technology
Chlorella + Scenedesmus: Ecoganic's unique combination
While most algae biostimulant manufacturers use a single species (generally marine Ascophyllum nodosum or, at best, freshwater Chlorella), Ecoganic combines two genera of freshwater unicellular microalgae: Chlorella and Scenedesmus. This combination enhances the active compound profile since each species contributes a different spectrum of betaines, cytokinins, amino acids and polysaccharides.
The result is a broader-spectrum biostimulant that simultaneously covers vegetative growth stimulation (Chlorella), stress response improvement (Scenedesmus) and soil microbiota activation (both species).
Chlorella
- ▸Growth stimulation
- ▸Natural cytokinins
- ▸Root efficiency
Scenedesmus
- ▸Stress resistance
- ▸Osmoprotection
- ▸Soil activation
Active biochemistry
Active compounds and their agronomic function
Betaines
Osmoprotection and stomatal opening
Regulate stomatal opening under stress conditions. Protect cells from dehydration through compatible osmotic accumulation.
Cytokinins
Cell division and differentiation
Stimulate cell division and differentiation, especially in apical and lateral buds. Delay leaf senescence and improve fruit set.
Mannitol
Osmotic stress tolerance
Acts as an osmoprotectant in drought or salinity conditions. Maintains cellular water potential under stress.
Alginic acid
Soil water retention
Forms gels that improve soil water retention capacity. Especially beneficial in sandy or low CEC soils.
Free amino acids
Transport and protein synthesis
Act as phytohormone precursors and micronutrient carriers. Stimulate synthesis of structural and enzymatic proteins.
Polysaccharides
Soil microbiological activation
Serve as substrate for beneficial soil microbiota, improving organic matter mineralization and phosphate solubilization.
Frequently asked technical questions
What is the difference between Ecoganic algae biostimulants and marine algae ones?
The fundamental difference lies in the origin of the algae. Ecoganic uses unicellular microalgae grown in fresh water (Chlorella and Scenedesmus), while most competitors use marine algae (Ascophyllum nodosum, Ecklonia maxima). Marine algae contain salts and chlorides that accumulate in the soil over time, which can be problematic in sensitive crops such as avocado, citrus, strawberry or asparagus. Ecoganic's freshwater algae add no salt or chlorides, and are obtained under controlled cultivation conditions that guarantee a constant concentration of active compounds.
What are cytokinins and why are they important for crops?
Cytokinins are natural phytohormones that regulate cell division and differentiation in plants. In the context of biostimulants, Chlorella extracts contain cytokinin precursors that stimulate the formation of new plant organs (buds, flowers, fruits), delay leaf senescence (keeping leaves active longer) and improve fruit set. This effect is especially visible in crops under stress or low temperature conditions.
Are Ecoganic products suitable for hydroponic crops?
Yes. Being 100% cold-water soluble and free of impurities, insoluble organic matter and chlorides, Ecoganic products are perfectly compatible with recirculating hydroponic systems. They present no risk of dripper clogging or salt accumulation in the substrate. The electrical conductivity of the products is controlled and compatible with standard nutrient solutions for hydroponic crops.
What exactly does CE 2018/848 certify for Ecoganic biostimulants?
Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on organic production certifies that Ecoganic products can be used as inputs in agricultural productions certified as organic in the European Union. This means that raw materials, the manufacturing process and the final product comply with organic farming requirements: no chemical synthesis, no GMOs, no restricted contaminants and full traceability.