Potential applications for multifunctional microalgae in soil improvement

Abstract

Soil is the basis of agricultural production, and the quality of soil directly affects crop quality and yield. Microalgae can carry out photosynthesis, carbon and nitrogen fixation, and produce large amounts of valuable biomass coupled with wastewater treatment. Also, microalgae can produce plant hormones and other high-value products, which can promote plant growth, improve soil fertility, soil ecological health, and control crop diseases. This research reviews the characteristics of microalgae in improving soil health, discusses the situation of microalgae in controlling soil pollutants, elaborates on the technical application of microalgae in alleviating soil problems, and proposes potential applications of microalgae in ecological environment. Also, resource utilization of multifunctional microalgae is discussed, to provide a theoretical basis for the application of microalgae in soil improvement.

A critical review of soil algae as a crucial soil biological component of high ecological and economic significance

“…Sensitive algal species are located only in particular microhabitat conditions of terrestrial areas, whereas the highly tolerant and adaptable species are cosmopolitan in distribution. The ecological roles of terrestrial algae, especially those in soil systems (Agha et al., 2020; Song et al., 2022) and other subaerial environments, are diverse. However, compared to the voluminous literature on algae in specific aquatic environments, the research reports on algae in distinctive terrestrial habitats are minimal.…”

“…Soil algal association with specific non‐vascular and vascular plants, especially its role in life‐cycle completion, competition, and niche organization of different species of plants in terrestrial ecosystems, remains a critical question that is open for further intensive field and experimental research. Therefore, ecological exploration of soil algal flora with an emphasis on identifying their specific roles in soils and crops and the ecology of soil algae could lead to many applications for sustainable soil health management (Song et al., 2022; Zhang & Koehler, 2022) and agriculture. The growing literature on soil and other subaerial algae has become essential from both biodiversity and ecological perspectives, especially as a changing climate may influence the sensitive algal species (Kholssi et al., 2023) of soil microhabitats.…”

Algae Extracts in Horticulture: Characterization of Algae-Based Extracts and Impact on Turnip Germination and Radish Culture

“…Algae have different classifications, while eukaryotes such as seaweeds, visible to the naked eye, are referred to as macroalgae; smaller unicellular organisms are collectively referred to as microalgae, which can be prokaryotic like Cyanophyceae (Chloroxybacteria) or eukaryotic like green microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris). Microalgae are referred to as a group of organisms with small dimensions and a simple structure but high photosynthetic Sustainability 2024, 16, 2529 2 of 16 efficiency [4][5][6]. Previous studies by Sharma et al [7], Hamed et al [8], Kapoore et al [2] and Leogrande et al [9] indicate that various algae have the potential to promote overall plant growth and development and greater resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses through low biomass foliar applications, which is promising for reducing the dependence on conventional synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, leading to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system contributing to achieving zero hunger by enhancing crop productivity as well as improving social wellbeing through healthier plant growth and preserving marine and terrestrial ecosystems, increasing economic results and reducing the environmental footprint through carbon sequestration.…”

Harnessing the Synergy of the Cyanobacteria-Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria for Improved Maize (Zea mays) Growth and Soil Health

“…Microalgae and cyanobacteria, functioning as a primary producer, along with bacteria, collectively form the uppermost strata of soil known as the biological soil crust, and this intricate ecosystem plays a pivotal role in augmenting soil fertility and ultimately boosting crop productivity [12][13][14][15][16]. It enhances crop development and well-being through a processes such as nitrogen fixation, the release of trace elements into the soil, nutrient solubilization, production of exopolysaccharides, increasing organic matter, and improved nutrient retention within the plant-soil system, ultimately benefiting plant growth and providing an alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides [15,[17][18][19][20][21][22][23].…”