Can shrimp shells be used as a plant protection product?

In the Netherlands, large-scale research is in progress into the suitability of shrimp shells for plant protection in agricultural. The shell is the skin of the shrimp that remains as residual waste after it has been peeled. Research at the University of Wageningen showed that shrimp shells can be effectively used against fungi and infectious diseases in seed potatoes and flower bulbs. Practical research should show whether the shrimp shells may lead to reduced use of chemical plant protection products.

Shrimp shells contain substances that improve the resilience and fertility of soil and crops. Therefore, the risk of disease decreases, researchers from Wageningen concluded. For four years field-tests will be done in the Waddengebied in the Netherlands. This region was not chosen at random; because of the increase in mechanical shrimp peeling in Waddengebied, a large amount of shrimp shells are available as a new residual waste stream. This residual stream will be made useful again as a plant protection product.

Granulated shrimp shells will be used in the field-tests. The field tests will be done on both clay and sandy soil. Also taken into account will be how shrimp shells work best, ploughed or scattered on the soil. Ideally, shrimp shells are effective against fungi and infectious diseases, especially in the cultivation of seed potatoes and flower bulbs. A positive impact on nematodes is also expected. The research is conducted under the auspices of the Stichting Greenport Noord-Holland Noord. The total cost amounts to 640,000 euros.

Source: Vilt