Kelp Resources/Research
Web
Good summary of various research
Study on liquid kelp foliar applications (pdf)
http://www.springerlink.com
This article was free when I initially looked at it, but now it seems to be for sale.
Summary: "The plant growth, developmental and N nutritional responses in this greenhouse experiment have demonstrated the effectiveness of two kelp, M. integrifolia and E. maxima, foliar sprays as plant growth regulating substances."
Also interesting: "Low dilution ratios (1:100 kelp concentrate:water) were found to have an inhibitory effect upon root growth, whereas higher dilution ratios (1:400 to 1:600) were stimulatory." This (and other parts of the study) shows that following the product directions and using the seemingly small amount of kelp:water is better than applying less diluted mixtures (less water). The same holds true for other products. More is not better.
Study on kelp soil applications (pdf)
http://www.springerlink.com
This article was free when I initially looked at it, but now it seems to be for sale.
Summary: Applications of kelp up to 60 tons per hectare (1/2 ton per 1000 sq ft) increased plant growth, but 120 tons inhibited plant growth, probably due to excess salt. I'm not sure what 1/2 ton per 1000 sq ft translates to in yards, but it looks like you can apply too much kelp for certain crops.
Books
Food Power from the Sea. Lee Fryer and Dick Simmons. Available from Acres USA.
Seaweed & Plant Growth. T.L. Senn. Available from Acres USA.
Seaweed in Agriculture & Horticulture. W.A. Stephenson. Available from Acres USA.