Algae-derived biofertilizers and biostimulants for sustainable agriculture
Pratheesh PRAKASAM THANKA, Abdel-Hamid I. MOURAD
Abstract. The growing demand for sustainable agriculture has spurred interest in bio-based alternatives that reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers while maintaining crop productivity and soil health. Algae-derived biofertilizers and biostimulants are promising in this context, owing to their nutrient-rich composition, rapid growth, and multifunctional roles in nutrient cycling. Microalgae such as Chlorella vulgaris produce diverse bioactive compounds that stimulate plant growth, enhance nutrient uptake, and improve stress tolerance, while also supplying essential nutrients and trace minerals. This study evaluated algae-based formulations to improve soil fertility, plant growth, and yield under greenhouse conditions, using Zea mays as a model crop. Dried C. vulgaris biomass was applied to soil (5 g/kg), and aqueous extracts were used as foliar sprays. Algal biomass increased soil total nitrogen by 22%, available phosphorus by 18%, and organic carbon by 15%. Foliar application further enhanced chlorophyll content (12%), root length (15%), and shoot biomass (18%). Maize grain yield increased by 7%, with improved nutritional quality, accompanied by a ~1.5-fold increase in beneficial rhizobacteria. Overall, these results highlight the dual function of algae-derived inputs as fertilizers and biostimulants, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers consistent with circular economy principles and climate-resilient agriculture.
Keywords
Algae, Biofertilizers, Biostimulants, Sustainable Agriculture, Crop Productivity
Published online 6/20/2026, 7 pages
Copyright © 2026 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA
Citation: Pratheesh PRAKASAM THANKA, Abdel-Hamid I. MOURAD, Algae-derived biofertilizers and biostimulants for sustainable agriculture, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 67, pp 712-718, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644904176-98
The article was published as article 98 of the book Climate Action and Sustainability
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
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