Algae as a Fertilizer

 Algae as a Fertiliser

Algae as Biofertilizer

Algae are an effective and sustainable biofertilizer that can boost plant growth, improve soil health, and reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals. It is available in various forms, from raw seaweed to processed liquids and powders. Different types of algae offer distinct benefits for specific crops and soil conditions. They provide environmentally friendly organic fertilizers at a cheaper price. Algae play an important role in the maintenance of the natural habitat of the soil, increasing crop yield, replacing chemicals such as nitrogen and phosphorus, enhancement of plant growth, and helping to retain water during droughts.

Blue Green Algae: A Potential Biofertilizer for Rice | SpringerLink

In addition to improving soil fertility and quality, microalgae produce plant growth hormones, polysaccharides, antimicrobial chemicals, and other metabolites.

·       Phenolic Compounds - Protection crops against pathogens or other biotic and abiotic stress conditions.

·   Terpenoids - Protection crops against bacteria, insects, and other organisms, improving preliminary growth and development of plants, as well as the attraction of pollinators.

·       Free Fatty Acids - Protection crops against pathogens or other biotic and abiotic stress conditions.

·  Polysaccharides - Increasing plant growth and protecting crops against biotic and abiotic stress conditions.

·    Carotenoids - Soil bioremediation and fertilization and protecting crops against bacteria, insects, and other biotic and abiotic stress.

·    Phytohormones - Improving plant growth and regulation of cellular activities in response to stress conditions.

Examples of Algae Used as Fertilizers

  • Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae):
    • Anabaena sp. and Nostoc sp. are known for their efficient nitrogen fixation, making them valuable for agricultural use, especially for rice crops. 
    • Aulosira sp. and other blue-green algae also contribute to nitrogen fixation. 
  • Microalgae (Green Algae):
    • Chlorella vulgaris, Spirulina platensis, Acutodesmus dimorphus, and Scenedesmus dimorphus are frequently studied and used to improve soil nutrient content and yield. 
  • Macroalgae (Seaweeds):
    • Sargassum sp. and Gracilaria verrucosa are examples of seaweeds that enhance soil organic matter and improve soil quality. 
    • Palmaria palmata and Laminaria digitata are other seaweeds used as biofertilizers to increase nutrient concentrations in the soil. 

Uses of Algae  as Fertilizer

Blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria)

  • Nitrogen fixation: Many species, including Nostoc and Anabaena, are nitrogen-fixing and can convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable compounds for plants. This is particularly beneficial in paddy fields, where "algalization" can reduce the need for chemical nitrogen fertilizers by 25–40%.
  • Soil conditioning: Their gelatinous structure helps improve soil aeration, water-holding capacity, and overall physical and chemical properties.
  • Growth promotion: They excrete plant growth regulators, vitamins, and amino acids that stimulate crop development.  

Green algae (Microalgae)

  • Nutrient delivery: Microalgae like Chlorella and Scenedesmus are rich in macronutrients (N, P, K) and micronutrients, which they efficiently deliver to plants.
  • Bioactive compounds: They produce various metabolites, such as phytohormones, polysaccharides, and antioxidants, that enhance plant resilience to stress.
  • Growth enhancement: Studies have shown that microalgae promote seed germination, photosynthesis, and overall plant growth.  

Brown algae (Seaweed)

  • Biostimulant properties: Brown seaweeds like Ascophyllum nodosum are a popular source of biostimulants. Their extracts contain plant hormones, carbohydrates, and minerals that improve nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and overall crop quality.
  • Soil structure: The alginic acid in brown algae improves soil structure, aeration, and water retention.
  • Nutrient and mineral content: Seaweed is a valuable source of potassium and other minerals and trace elements, making it an excellent soil conditioner, particularly for coastal farms 

Methods of application

Algae can be applied as fertilizer in several forms: 

  • Compost: Fresh or dried seaweed can be added to compost piles, where it accelerates decomposition and enriches the final product.
  • Liquid extracts: Concentrated liquid extracts are popular for foliar sprays or soil drenching, allowing for fast and efficient nutrient absorption by plants.
  • Granules/powders: Dehydrated and ground algae can be applied directly to the soil to improve its physical and chemical properties over time

Algae floating on water between rice plants in a paddy field in rural Kanagawa, Japan Stock Photo - Alamy

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