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Microalgae as Biofertilizers: A Sustainable Way to Improve Soil Fertility and Plant Growth

Author

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  • João Gonçalves

    (Agriculture Research Center, Agrofood Techis, 9020-418 Funchal, Portugal)

  • Jorge Freitas

    (Agriculture Research Center, Agrofood Techis, 9020-418 Funchal, Portugal)

  • Igor Fernandes

    (Phytoalgae Lda., Caminho do Pedregal, N° 32, 9350-060 Ribeira Brava, Portugal)

  • Pedro Silva

    (Agriculture Research Center, Agrofood Techis, 9020-418 Funchal, Portugal)

Abstract

The intensification of agricultural production in response to the global population increase and the growing demand for food has raised significant concerns regarding environmental impacts over the past few decades. Currently, modern agriculture aims to improve the quantity and quality of crop yield, minimizing the negative effects of treatments on the environment. Recently, microalgae have found extensive application as a valuable biological resource across multiple industries, including the food sector, biofuel production, and the pharmaceutical industry. In agriculture, microalgae have been seen as a promising and sustainable alternative to agrochemicals, offering a range of benefits to improve soil fertility, optimize nutrient management, and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers. In general, microalgae have demonstrated efficient nutrient cycling abilities, assimilating and converting essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, into forms readily available for plants. Additionally, they produce bioactive substances, including phytohormones, which have a direct impact on the physiological processes of plants and promote their growth. Microalgae can also establish beneficial interactions with other soil microorganisms, supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria and fungi, thus promoting a healthy soil microbiome. On the other hand, as photosynthetic microorganisms, microalgae harness sunlight to convert carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) into organic matter through photosynthesis. This ability allows them to sequester carbon and contribute to sustainable agriculture by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The present work provides an overview of the potential of microalgae as biofertilizers, highlighting their unique characteristics, benefits, and main limitations for effective implementation in agriculturally sustainable practices.

Suggested Citation

  • João Gonçalves & Jorge Freitas & Igor Fernandes & Pedro Silva, 2023. "Microalgae as Biofertilizers: A Sustainable Way to Improve Soil Fertility and Plant Growth," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-19, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:16:p:12413-:d:1217918
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Nilay Kumar Sarker & Prasad Kaparaju, 2024. "Microalgal Bioeconomy: A Green Economy Approach Towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-45, December.
    4. Marcin Dębowski & Joanna Kazimierowicz & Izabela Świca & Marcin Zieliński, 2025. "Sustainable Utilization of CO 2 from Exhaust Gases for the Autotrophic Cultivation of the Biohydrogen-Producing Microalga Tetraselmis subcordiformis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-20, September.
    5. Agata Borowik & Jadwiga Wyszkowska & Magdalena Zaborowska & Jan Kucharski, 2024. "Energy Quality of Corn Biomass from Gasoline-Contaminated Soils Remediated with Sorbents," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-18, October.
    6. Sujit Kumar Nayak & Pratap Bhattacharyya & Soumya Ranjan Padhy & Anubhav Das & Shiva Prasad Parida & Monalisha Rath & Anweshita Nayak, 2025. "Harnessing the potential of microalgae for carbon sequestration to achieve net-zero emissions," Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Springer, vol. 30(7), pages 1-35, October.
    7. Agampodi Gihan S. D. De Silva & Z K. Hashim & Wogene Solomon & Jun-Bin Zhao & Györgyi Kovács & István M. Kulmány & Zoltán Molnár, 2024. "Unveiling the Role of Edaphic Microalgae in Soil Carbon Sequestration: Potential for Agricultural Inoculants in Climate Change Mitigation," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-33, November.
    8. Guilherme Anacleto dos Reis & Walter Jose Martínez-Burgos & Roberta Pozzan & Yenis Pastrana Puche & Diego Ocán-Torres & Pedro de Queiroz Fonseca Mota & Cristine Rodrigues & Josilene Lima Serra & Thama, 2024. "Comprehensive Review of Microbial Inoculants: Agricultural Applications, Technology Trends in Patents, and Regulatory Frameworks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-33, October.

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