Fuel — Fish Amino Acid

What is Fuel?

Fuel is fermented fish amino acids — a liquid produced by fermenting whole fish or fish scraps with brown sugar. As fermentation proceeds, proteins break down into their component amino acids. These amino acids, already in the form plants and soil organisms can use directly, become a concentrated biological fuel source.

What does it do?

Plants can synthesize amino acids from inorganic nitrogen, but the process requires significant energy. When pre-formed amino acids are available, plants bypass this energy-expensive step and redirect capacity into growth, fruiting, and root development. Fuel is most powerful at transition points — particularly the shift from vegetative to reproductive growth. Soil organisms also respond strongly to amino acid availability.

How is it made

Collect whole fresh fish (sardines, mackerel, or locally abundant species) or fish scraps. Mix with an equal weight of brown sugar. Ferment in a sealed container for 30–90 days. Strain the resulting liquid. Dilute 1:500 to 1:1000. Apply as a soil drench.

When to use it

At transplant, at the onset of flowering, and when growth has stalled. Reduce during late fruit ripening when additional nitrogen is undesirable.