Organic Crustacean Meal 4-0-0 is a slow-release soil amendment made from dried, ground crab and shrimp shells — a recycled byproduct of the seafood processing industry. It supplies 4% organic nitrogen, 12% calcium, and 1.3% magnesium, along with naturally occurring chitin, the structural fiber found in crustacean exoskeletons.
The nitrogen is held in a protein matrix and releases gradually over 2–3 months as soil microbes break the material down, so burn risk is low. Calcium supports cell wall integrity and fruit nutrition, while chitin acts as a substrate for chitinase-producing soil bacteria and fungi. Unlike lime-based calcium sources, crustacean meal has minimal effect on soil pH — useful where you need calcium without raising pH.
It is well suited to pre-plant vegetable bed preparation, transplants, fruit and landscape trees, container mixes, and compost. Spread evenly, incorporate into the top 3–6 inches of soil, water in thoroughly, and allow 4–6 weeks before planting.
CDFA registered and independently lab tested for heavy metals, with results consistently well below required limits. As an animal-origin amendment with a seafood odor, store bags securely away from pets.