Fish emulsion is a liquid fertilizer made from fish residue. This is a liquid organic fertilizer that is good for plants and good for the environment. A common fish emulsion formula is made from the processing residue of menhaden, a small, bony fish from the Atlantic Ocean. Waste byproducts from other fishes, like wild salmon, can also be used to create fish emulsion fertilizers.

Fish waste is boiled to remove the oils and liquids. The solid wastes are removed and transformed into animal fodder and fish meal. The fish oil is taken off, and the liquid residue is cooked further to produce a thick suspension.

The unrefined emulsion is basic, so phosphoric acid is put in to make it more acidic. This process produces an acidic reaction, which serves as a stabilizer for the fish suspension. This important step is vital for the shelf life of the liquid fertilizer.

If you have a stable supply of fish waste, or you’ve a way of obtaining some from a local fishing port, you might want to think about making your own liquid fertilizer from the leftovers of processed fish.

Although blends differ, fish emulsion liquid fertilizer typically contains about 4 parts N, 2 parts P and 2 parts K. These trace elements are minerals that crops can use.

Because the emulsion is liquid, it can be absorbed fast by crops. This formula can equal the fast-release chemical fertilizers in terms of speed and efficacy. In addition, fish emulsion is considered more ecosystem friendly than chemical fertilizers because it’s essentially a derivative of the fishmeal manufacturing industry and does not lead to depletion in fish provisions.

If your crops belong to the seasonal or quick growing varieties, you can use this liquid fertilizer as a foliar spray to enhance leaf development and flowering.

But take note, before using this liquid fertilizer, suitably mix it with water to dilute.

Fish emulsion heats up rapidly in storage, so it’s crucial that you keep this at room temperature. Also, remember to mix only a small amount with water as the diluted version can’t be stored any longer.