Protein hydrolysate vs amino acid fertilizer: the difference
How protein hydrolysates and amino acid fertilizers differ, plant vs animal source, and how they are used.
A protein hydrolysate is a mixture of free amino acids and short peptides made by breaking down plant or animal protein; an amino acid fertilizer is specified by its free amino acid content. Both are biostimulants used to support recovery after stress, growth, flowering and fruit set, mostly as foliar sprays or through drip.
The difference
| Protein hydrolysate | Amino acid grade | |
|---|---|---|
| Contains | Free amino acids and peptides | Specified free amino acid content |
| Made from | Plant or animal protein by hydrolysis | Hydrolysis or fermentation |
| Our grades | Plant source 1.5%, 16.9%, 25%, 27%; animal source 36.04% | Amino acid 5%, 10%, 20% |
Plant source or animal source
Animal-source hydrolysates, such as those made from collagen, are rich in glycine and proline. Plant-source hydrolysates have a broader amino acid profile and are preferred in some organic and export markets.
How they are used
- Foliar sprays after cold, heat, hail or transplanting
- With micronutrients in foliar sprays
- Through drip in early growth
- As a base for brand formulations
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, protein hydrolysate or amino acid?
Both are used for similar jobs. Choose by concentration, source and cost per acre at the label dose.
What are the uses of protein hydrolysate in agriculture?
Supporting recovery after stress, early growth, flowering and fruit set, and complexing micronutrients in sprays.
Is amino acid fertilizer organic?
Plant-source products may be accepted in organic programmes depending on the standard; check with your certifier.
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