Algal bio-stimulants: Towards a sustainable agriculture

Abstract

The world’s population is expected to peak at nearly 10 billion by the mid-2080s, while the demand for food is predicted to rise to ~400 million tons by 2080. With no option to extend farmland any further, increasing the yield per acre at minimal environmental cost is a viable option. Bio-stimulants offer a sustainable option to synthetic chemicals to improve plant health and enhance productivity. These chemical compounds, applied even in small quantities, generate a higher crop yield and confer resistance to biotic and abiotic stressors. The algae and algae-based products enhance seed germination, plant growth, and water and nutrient uptake in plants. Soil amendment with algae-based products improves soil structure and enhances fertility by providing macro- and micro-nutrients. Algae with a bouquet of bioactive substances in their tissues and total biomass are promising bio-stimulants. Cultivation techniques for macro-algae and micro-algae culture have immense potential for biomass generation and the production of bio-stimulants. Though India, with its vast coastline, has an abundance of algae, their potential in the food and agri-industry remains underexploited. There is a need to develop marketing strategies to popularise their use in agriculture. This can go a long way in meeting the SDG goals of sustainable consumption and Zero Hunger, as well as promoting good health and well-being.