Fish Fertilizer vs. Emulsions
Not all fish fertilizers are made the same. Here’s how Neptune’s Harvest Hydrolyzed Fish compares with traditional fish emulsions, solubles, and high-nitrogen “so called” hydrolyzed fish concentrates.
Uses Several Species of Fish
Neptune’s Harvest is made from several species of edible North Atlantic fish remains, the part left after the fillet is removed for human consumption. Several species are better because each species has a different nutrient analysis profile, giving a fuller range of nutrients, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and growth hormones. The Hydrolyzed Fish is mixed in a 10,000-gallon tank before it is pumped into holding tanks, helping create a consistent product from day to day and year to year.
Usually One Type of Fish
Emulsions are often made from one type of fish, commonly referred to as “trash fish.” Some sources may include fish caught closer to harbors, rivers, or lakes. Because sourcing varies, quality and consistency can also vary between products.
No Offensive Odor
Neptune’s Harvest unloads fishing boats, cuts the fish, grinds the fish remains, and stabilizes them all the same day. Fresh processing helps reduce the strong odor commonly associated with older fish products.
Strong Odor
Traditional fish emulsions are known for having a stronger smell. This is one of the biggest concerns for growers, gardeners, and retailers handling fish-based fertilizers.
Cold Processed
Neptune’s Harvest is cold processed from start to finish. The fish is converted through grinding and by naturally occurring enzymes that continue breaking the fish down into liquid. It is then screened to remove remaining bone particles. Nothing else is removed, and phosphoric acid is added to stabilize the product.
Cooked
Emulsions typically remove fish meal and oils first. What remains is boiled down into a fertilizer solution. Heat processing may reduce heat-sensitive components such as vitamins, amino acids, growth hormones, and naturally occurring enzymes.
No Oils Removed
Neptune’s Harvest is screened through an 80-mesh screen going into the holding tank and then through a 200-micron screen going into drums or tanker trucks. The product has a smooth, pourable consistency and is designed to be easy to apply.
Oils Removed
Emulsions are often thicker, closer to the consistency of molasses. This can make handling harder and may contribute to clogging sprayers, pumps, or holding tanks.
In Summary
| Neptune’s Harvest | Traditional Emulsions |
|---|---|
| Uses several species of fish | Often one type of fish |
| Fresh processed to reduce offensive odor | Known for stronger odor |
| Cold processed | Cooked |
| No oils removed | Oils removed |
| No meal removed except the fillet | Meal removed |
| No chlorine added as part of the process | May contain chlorine from processing water |
| Designed for easier application | Can be thicker and harder to handle |
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