Crustacean Meal Fertilizer 4-0-0
- Regular Price
- $ 24.99
- Sale Price
- $ 24.99
- Regular Price
- $ 19.99
- Unit Price
- per
Organic Crustacean Meal 4-0-0
Premium crab and shrimp shell meal with 4% nitrogen, 12% calcium, and chitin — a naturally occurring fiber that feeds beneficial soil microbes and helps support a healthier root zone over time.
Ideal Applications
FEATURES
🦀 Premium Crab & Shrimp Shell Source
Derived from food-grade crab and shrimp shells, delivering a rich blend of 4% nitrogen, 12% calcium, and 1.3% magnesium in every application.
🦠 Natural Chitin for Soil Health
Chitin — the structural fiber in crustacean shells — feeds chitinase-producing microbes in the soil, supporting a more active and resilient root zone biology.
💪 12% Calcium for Structural Strength
High calcium content supports strong cell walls and firm fruit development, helping reduce calcium-related disorders like blossom end rot and tip burn.
⏰ Slow-Release Nitrogen (4-0-0)
Nitrogen releases gradually over 2–3 months through microbial decomposition, providing sustained feeding without the burn risk of fast-release fertilizers.
🌿 Magnesium for Chlorophyll Production
Contains 1.3% magnesium — a central component of chlorophyll — supporting healthy green foliage and efficient photosynthesis throughout the season.
🧪 CDFA Registered Organic Fertilizer
Registered with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, meeting strict labeling and safety standards for agricultural and home garden use.
🔬 Tested for Heavy Metals
Independently lab tested for heavy metal content so you can apply with confidence in edible gardens, raised beds, and high-production growing environments.
♻️ Sustainable Recycled Shellfish Byproduct
Made from recycled crab and shrimp shells — a seafood processing byproduct — turning waste material into a high-value soil amendment that supports circular agriculture.
🛡️ Won't Alter Soil pH
Unlike lime-based calcium sources, crustacean meal has minimal effect on soil pH, making it safe to use in both alkaline and mildly acidic garden soils without disrupting pH balance.
🌾 Versatile for Soil, Containers & Compost
Works as a pre-plant soil amendment, container mix additive, side-dress fertilizer, and compost activator — one product that fits multiple steps in any organic nutrition program.
DERIVED FROM
Greenway Biotech's Crustacean Meal is sourced from food-grade crab and shrimp shells — byproducts of the seafood processing industry. These raw materials are dried and ground to a consistent meal texture, preserving their natural chitin, calcium, magnesium, and protein-derived nitrogen. No synthetic additives or binders are used.
Shell Sources
SCIENCE BEHIND THE FORMULA
4-0-0: Nitrogen + Calcium + Chitin in One Amendment
Crustacean meal provides slow-release nitrogen through protein hydrolysis, structural calcium for plant cell integrity, and chitin — a natural polysaccharide that stimulates microbial activity in the root zone. Best performance occurs when soil temperatures are above 50°F and soil is kept evenly moist to support the microbial populations that drive nutrient release.
🌿 Nitrogen — 4% (Slow-Release Organic N)
Nitrogen is locked in the protein matrix of crustacean shells and becomes available as soil microbes break down the meal over 2–3 months. This gradual release feeds plants steadily without the runoff risk or burn potential of synthetic nitrogen sources.
🌸 Phosphorus — 0%
Crustacean shell naturally contains no significant phosphorus. For crops with high phosphorus demand — flowers, fruiting vegetables, root crops — pair with Bone Meal 3-15-0 or Fish Bone Meal 4-17-0 for complete nutrition.
⭐ Potassium — 0%
Crustacean meal contains minimal potassium. For crops needing potassium for fruit quality and stress resistance, consider pairing with Potassium Sulfate 0-0-53 or Kelp Meal 2-0-4.
Secondary Nutrients & Chitin
🦴 Calcium — 12%
Calcium is essential for cell wall formation, membrane integrity, and fruit development. At 12%, crustacean meal delivers meaningful calcium alongside nitrogen — a combination uncommon in single-ingredient fertilizers.
🌱 Magnesium — 1.3%
Magnesium is the central atom of the chlorophyll molecule and plays a critical role in photosynthesis, enzyme activation, and phosphorus mobility within the plant.
🦠 Chitin — Natural Soil Activator
Chitin is a structural polysaccharide found in crustacean exoskeletons. Research suggests chitin additions to soil stimulate populations of chitinase-producing bacteria and fungi, which may contribute to a more biologically active root environment.
Why Crustacean Meal Stands Apart
🧬 Nitrogen + Calcium in One Amendment
Most organic nitrogen sources (blood meal, feather meal) deliver no calcium. Most calcium sources (gypsum, lime) deliver no nitrogen. Crustacean meal is one of the few amendments that provides both in significant quantities.
🔬 Unique Chitin Contribution
No other common fertilizer provides chitin at the levels found in crustacean meal. This makes it a genuinely distinct amendment for gardeners focused on soil biology as a foundation for plant health.
📊 Stable pH Profile
Unlike dolomite lime or oyster shell, crustacean meal has minimal effect on soil pH. Gardeners with well-balanced or alkaline soil can add calcium without risk of pushing pH higher.
What to Expect After Application
Results vary with soil temperature, moisture, and microbial activity. Best performance when soil temperatures are above 50°F and soil is kept evenly moist.
APPLICATION RATES & DIRECTIONS
General Guidelines
Always incorporate crustacean meal into the top 2–3 inches of soil and water thoroughly after application. Works best when mixed into the soil rather than left on the surface. Soil temperatures above 50°F are needed for microbial breakdown and nutrient release.
Vegetable Gardens
| Timing | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-plant (4–6 weeks before) | 2–3 lb per 100 sq ft | Mix into top 2–3″ of soil |
| At transplant | 1–2 tbsp per planting hole | Mix with backfill soil before planting |
| Side-dress (monthly) | 2–4 oz per large plant | Work lightly into soil surface |
Fruit Trees & Berry Bushes
| Plant Size | Application Rate | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Young trees (1–3 years) | 1–2 lb per tree | Split 50/50 spring & early summer |
| Mature trees (4+ years) | 2–5 lb per tree | Apply at bud break and again in early summer |
| Berry bushes | 0.5–1 lb per plant | Apply in early spring before new growth |
Flowers & Ornamentals
| Application | Rate | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-plant bed preparation | 1.5–2.5 lb per 100 sq ft | Once at bed preparation |
| Top-dress established plants | ½ cup per large plant | Every 8–12 weeks as needed |
Containers & Potted Plants
| Method | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New plantings — mix in | 1–2 tbsp per gallon of soil | Blend thoroughly with potting mix before planting |
| Top-dress established pots | 1–2 tsp per gallon of soil | Work into soil surface; water in well. Every 4–6 weeks. |
Compost Activator
| Compost Volume | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Per cubic yard of compost | 2–5 lb | Layer between carbon-rich materials; turns help incorporate evenly |
HOW TO USE
Soil & Garden Beds
- Measure the area to be treated in square feet.
- Calculate amount needed: 2–3 pounds per 100 square feet for most vegetables and flowers.
- Spread the meal evenly over the soil surface.
- Rake or till into the top 2–3 inches of soil — do not leave on the surface, as incorporation speeds breakdown and reduces odor.
- Water thoroughly to activate microbial decomposition and begin nutrient release.
- Reapply every 8–12 weeks or as needed through the growing season.
Container & Potted Plants
- For new plantings: mix 1–2 tablespoons per gallon of potting soil before filling the container.
- For established containers: measure 1–2 teaspoons per gallon of container volume.
- Sprinkle evenly on the soil surface and work into the top inch with a small tool or your fingers.
- Water thoroughly to activate. Reapply every 4–6 weeks during active growth.
Fruit Trees & Shrubs
- Apply in early spring at bud break and again in early summer.
- Spread evenly under the drip line — the area beneath the outer edge of the canopy where feeder roots are most active.
- Work lightly into the top 2 inches of soil with a rake.
- Water in well. For mature trees, split the annual rate into two applications for best results.
Compost Activation
- Layer 2–5 pounds of crustacean meal per cubic yard of compost between carbon-rich materials (leaves, straw, cardboard).
- The nitrogen and chitin help accelerate decomposition and enrich the finished compost.
- Turn the pile regularly and keep moist for best results.
Pro Tip: Pre-Plant Bed Preparation for Brassicas & Root Crops
For brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale) and root crops (carrots, beets), apply 3 pounds of crustacean meal per 100 sq ft 4–6 weeks before planting and water in well. The calcium supports firm heads and roots, and the chitin can help create a more biologically active soil environment that benefits transplant establishment. Combine with Bone Meal for phosphorus to cover all macronutrient bases before the season starts.
When Crustacean Meal Is the Right Choice
- Soil needs both nitrogen and calcium without pH adjustment
- Building long-term soil biology and organic matter levels
- Pre-plant bed preparation for heavy-feeding crops like tomatoes, squash, and brassicas
- Activating compost piles with nitrogen and chitin
- Gardeners seeking a sustainable, low-input organic amendment with multiple nutrient functions
When to Consider Other Options
- Need fast-acting nitrogen (within days) — consider Blood Meal 13-0-0 for rapid green-up
- Need high phosphorus for flowers, root crops, or transplant establishment — add Bone Meal 3-15-0 alongside crustacean meal
- Need to raise soil pH significantly — Dolomite Lime is a better fit as it provides calcium while actively raising pH
- Cold soil below 50°F where microbial activity is suppressed — wait for warmer conditions or use a soluble calcium source like Calcium Nitrate for immediate availability
CRUSTACEAN MEAL CALCULATOR
SAFETY & HANDLING
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Wear gloves when handling to avoid skin contact with dust
- Use eye protection if working with large quantities or in windy conditions
- Consider a dust mask when opening bags or applying in dry, dusty conditions
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling
Storage Guidelines
- Store in a cool, dry place in the original sealed container or bag
- Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve quality
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
- Do not store near fertilizers containing soluble calcium and phosphate together, as they may interact
Application Precautions
- Product has a seafood odor — incorporate into soil and water in promptly to minimize smell
- The scent may attract pets, dogs, or wildlife; water in thoroughly after application
- Most effective when soil temperatures exceed 50°F — microbial activity slows in cold soils
- Work into soil rather than leaving on the surface for best results and faster odor dissipation
- Allow 4–6 weeks before planting when using as a pre-plant amendment
- This product is a fertilizer and soil amendment — not registered as a pesticide
First Aid
- Eye contact: Flush with clean water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
- Skin contact: Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water.
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or seek medical attention.
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete safety information.
COMPLETE YOUR SYSTEM
Crustacean meal supplies nitrogen and calcium, but no phosphorus or potassium. Build a complete organic nutrition program by pairing with these complementary products.
Bone Meal 3-15-0
Adds high phosphorus for root development, flowering, and fruit set — the nutrient crustacean meal doesn't supply.
Kelp Meal 2-0-4
Contributes potassium plus 60+ trace minerals and natural growth hormones for balanced crop nutrition.
Blood Meal 13-0-0
Fast-release nitrogen boost for heavy feeders or mid-season greening when slow-release nitrogen isn't enough.
Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate)
Additional water-soluble calcium and sulfur for heavy clay soils, blossom end rot prevention, and improved drainage.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is crustacean meal fertilizer and what does it contain?
Crustacean meal is made from ground, dried crab and shrimp shells. It naturally contains 4% nitrogen, 12% calcium, and 1.3% magnesium, along with chitin — a structural fiber that feeds beneficial soil microbes. It's a slow-release organic amendment that builds soil biology while providing sustained plant nutrition over 2–3 months.
How does chitin in crustacean meal benefit the soil?
Chitin is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in crustacean exoskeletons. When added to soil, it is studied for stimulating populations of chitinase-producing bacteria and fungi. These microbes create a more biologically active root zone, which may support overall plant health. This is an indirect biological effect that develops over several weeks as microbial populations respond to the chitin substrate.
Will crustacean meal burn my plants?
Crustacean meal is a slow-release fertilizer with only 4% nitrogen, making it very unlikely to cause fertilizer burn when used at recommended rates. Nutrients are released gradually through microbial breakdown over 2–3 months. Follow the application rates for your plant type, mix it into the soil, and water in thoroughly.
Does crustacean meal smell? What should I expect?
Yes, crustacean meal has a seafood odor — similar to dried shrimp or crab. The smell is most noticeable when the bag is first opened and immediately after application. Incorporating the meal into soil (rather than leaving it on the surface) and watering it in thoroughly will significantly reduce odor. The scent dissipates within a few days as the material begins to break down. It is noticeably milder than fish meal or blood meal.
Is crustacean meal safe around pets?
When applied as directed and watered into the soil, crustacean meal is generally safe in gardens with pets. However, the seafood scent may attract dogs and other animals, so it's best to water the product in well after application and monitor pets in the area for the first day or two. Discourage direct consumption of the meal in large amounts. Keep bags stored securely away from pets.
Will crustacean meal change my soil pH?
Crustacean meal has minimal impact on soil pH — unlike lime-based calcium sources such as dolomite or oyster shell, which actively raise pH. This makes crustacean meal a good calcium source for gardeners who need to add calcium without disturbing a well-balanced or already alkaline soil pH. If you need to raise soil pH significantly, Dolomite Lime is the appropriate amendment.
Can crustacean meal mold on the soil surface?
A white or grayish surface growth sometimes appears after applying organic meals in warm, moist conditions. This is harmless microbial activity — beneficial fungi and bacteria colonizing the organic material — not a problem with the product. To minimize surface growth, work the meal into the top 2–3 inches of soil rather than leaving it on the surface, and water in after application.
Does crustacean meal provide phosphorus or potassium?
No — crustacean meal is rated 4-0-0, meaning it contains no significant phosphorus or potassium. For crops with high phosphorus demand (flowering annuals, fruiting vegetables, bulb crops), pair with Bone Meal 3-15-0 or Fish Bone Meal 4-17-0. For potassium, Kelp Meal 2-0-4 or Potassium Sulfate 0-0-53 are good organic-compatible options.
GROW WITH CONFIDENCE
Product Quality & Testing
- CDFA Registered fertilizer — meets California Department of Food and Agriculture labeling and composition standards
- Derived from food-grade crab and shrimp shells — consistent quality raw material
- Independently tested for heavy metal content for safe use in edible gardens and high-production growing
- Made in USA at Greenway Biotech's California facility
90-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Not satisfied? Contact us within 90 days of purchase for a full refund or replacement. We stand behind every product we sell.
Sustainability
- Made from recycled crab and shrimp shell byproducts from the seafood processing industry
- Diverts shellfish waste from landfill into a high-value agricultural input
- Supports circular agriculture by returning marine-derived nutrients back to the soil
About Greenway Biotech, Inc.
Greenway Biotech, Inc. has been a California-based fertilizer company since 1989. Family-owned and operated, we serve both commercial growers and dedicated home gardeners with technically accurate products and honest education. Our facility is located at 17861 Road 24, Madera, CA 93638, in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley.
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