Marine hydrolysates in agronomy: Everything you need to know
The fish protein hydrolysates market is experiencing steady growth at +5.6% CAGR from 2025 to 2037. Traditionally prized in aquaculture and nutraceuticals, these products are now entering agronomy with a unique promise: combining organic nutrient supply and biostimulant effects.
Precise definitions, technical composition, EU regulatory framework, scientifically validated benefits, applications, and marine co-product valorization opportunities—discover everything about marine hydrolysates in agronomy.
What are marine hydrolysates in agronomy?
Marine hydrolysates represent a family of liquid organic inputs ideally suited for modern agronomy, derived from controlled processing of fishery co-products. These products concentrate essential nutrients and bioactive compounds, positioning them at the crossroads of fertilizers and biostimulants for more resilient agriculture.
Definition
Marine hydrolysates are organic inputs, in liquid or concentrated form, derived from fish co-products (heads, bones, viscera) that concentrate essential nutrients and bioactive compounds. Positioned between fertilizers and biostimulants, they support resilient and circular agriculture.
The process? Gentle enzymatic hydrolysis (EU 142/2011 Method 7) that breaks down complex proteins into free amino acids and short peptides at low temperature (60°C). Unlike aggressive thermal hydrolysis, this treatment preserves bioactive molecules and ensures SPA endpoint (microbiological safety).
Composition of Liquid Fish Protein Fertilizers
Typical biofertilizers based on fish protein hydrolysates (FPH) are rich in bioavailable organic nitrogen (2-15% total N, often via peptides/free amino acids), phosphorus (P₂O₅ 0.5-4%), and potassium (K₂O 0.2-1%), with a low C/N ratio (<10) promoting rapid mineralization and efficient plant uptake.
Density (1.0-1.1 kg/L) and dry matter (30-50%) ensure compatibility with standard agricultural equipment (fertigation, foliar), while free amino acids (glycine, proline, lysine, glutamic ~5-10% each) and trace elements (Fe, Zn, Mn) support physiological functions beyond mineral nutrition—enzyme stimulation, abiotic stress tolerance. For beginners: imagine a “concentrated ocean broth” nourishing plants like ultra-efficient liquid compost, compatible with foliar sprays and drip irrigation!
Biostimulant, Biofertilizer, or Organic Fertilizer?
Marine hydrolysates hold a hybrid position in agricultural input classification, blending mineral nutrition and plant physiological effects. This versatility addresses multiple needs.
Biostimulant vs. Biofertilizer
A biostimulant stimulates natural plant processes—nutrient uptake, abiotic stress tolerance (drought, heat), crop quality—without directly supplying major nutrients. In contrast, a biofertilizer contains live microorganisms (nitrogen-fixing bacteria like Rhizobium, phosphorus solubilizers) that enrich soil nutrient availability. These categories often complement each other: biostimulants optimize resource use fixed by biofertilizers.
Where Do Marine Hydrolysates Fit?
Rich in amino acids and bioactive peptides, marine protein hydrolysates qualify as biostimulants by enhancing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and crop resilience beyond NPK supply. Regulatorily, they fall under liquid organic fertilizers (NF U 42-001-2 Type 12, EU 2019/1009 PFC 1C with CMC 10 for Category 3 ABP), but can claim biostimulant status (PFC 6) with agronomic trials proving specific physiological effects. This dual qualification enables premium claims backed by scientific data.
Agronomic Benefits of Marine Hydrolysates
Marine hydrolysates surpass basic mineral nutrition through bioactive compounds, improving plant physiology and soil vitality. These measurable effects support efficient agriculture amid climate and regulatory challenges.
Improved nitrogen nutrition and efficiency
Free amino acids and short peptides in hydrolysates accelerate plant nitrogen uptake, boosting nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) by 15-20% per comparative trials. This superior bioavailability yields equivalent performance with less total nitrogen input or productivity gains at constant doses, cutting costs and nitrogen leaching. The low C/N ratio (~4.7) enables rapid mineralization, ideal for critical vegetative phases.
Resilience to Abiotic Stresses
Bioactive peptides stimulate antioxidant enzyme synthesis (catalase, peroxidase) and protective osmolytes (proline, betaine), enhancing crop tolerance to drought, heat, or salinity. Field observations show preserved net photosynthesis and biomass under stress, securing yields in increasingly extreme conditions. This direct physiological effect justifies potential PFC 6 biostimulant classification (EU 2019/1009 Regulation).
Soil and rhizosphere effects
Soil-applied hydrolysates feed beneficial microorganisms (bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi), boosting rhizosphere activity and soil structure via aggregate and humus formation. Rich in organic matter (30-40%), they improve water retention, nutrient mobility, and microbial resilience, complementing regenerative practices like cover crops. These cumulative benefits make hydrolysates versatile regenerative inputs (fertigation, foliar, soil) optimizing long-term nutrient cycling.
Regulatory Framework for Marine Hydrolysates
Marketing fish enzymatic hydrolysates for agronomic applications in France and Europe requires mastering the regulatory landscape.
French Standard NF U 42-001-2: Technical Foundations
NF U 42-001-2 classifies hydrolysates as Type 12 (NP liquid organic fertilizer), mandating minimum NPK guarantees (N ≥2.5%, OM ≥20%), strict microbiological safety (Salmonella absent, E. coli <10 CFU/g), and low heavy metals (ETM) and trace organic compounds (CTO). Five compliance pillars—composition, microbiology, chemistry, traceability, process—validate via dossier to certifiers (AFNOR, SGS).
EU Regulation 2019/1009: PFC 1C and PFC 6
EU 2019/1009 governs CE-marked fertilizers (“EU fertilizers”). PFC 1C CE marking (organic compound fertilizer, CMC 10 for Category 3 ABP) enables free EU circulation, reusing NF analyses without reformulation. Optional PFC 6 (biostimulant) extension requires robust agronomic trials proving physiological effects (NUE, stress tolerance).
Safety, traceability, and SPA/CLP compliance
Key transversal regulations: animal by-products (CE 1069/2009, UE 142/2011) strictly govern raw materials (Category 3 fish co-products), processing (enzymatic hydrolysis Method 7), and documented “endpoint” proof (microbiological safety); CLP (UE 1272/2008) ensures proper chemical risk classification, labeling, and packaging.
Practical applications and market opportunities
Fish hydrolysates show remarkable versatility in agronomic uses. They successfully nourish leafy vegetables like tomatoes and lettuce, boost market gardening, strengthen vines and orchards (apples, hazelnuts), support field crops, revitalize lawns, and enhance ornamentals. Applicable via fertigation, foliar spray, or soil amendment, they integrate seamlessly into organic and regenerative farming.
The global market remains dominated by the US, Australia, and Canada, offering diverse “Fish Fertilizers” for pro/consumer uses with varied claims. Europe is largely untapped: few industrials occupy this niche amid stricter regulations.
This creates a strategic opportunity for fishery co-product valorization. The fish protein hydrolysates market posts a 5.6% CAGR, growing from $245M to $499M between 2024-2037, with increasing agricultural diversification.
Thanks to its enzymatic hydrolysis expertise and mastery of product specifications, Upcyclink is your partner to test this co-product valorization path. For input buyers, we offer ready-to-use samples.
Sources :
From waste to wonder: The potential of protein hydrolysates as plant biostimulants in agriculture, Bioresource Technology Reports 32 (2025) 102333, Padmapriya Dhanasekaran, Shanthi Chittibabu, Said Mouzeyar, Aurelia Boulaflous-Stevens, Cedric Delattre, Jane Roche
