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The increasing need for sustainable agriculture has emphasized algae-based biofertilizers and soil amendments as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers. Algae, including microalgae and cyanobacteria, are rich in essential nutrients and provide additional benefits such as nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and organic matter enhancement. Algal biofertilizers enhance soil health, improve water retention, and promote beneficial microbial activity, which makes algae a valuable resource for enhancing crop growth, yield, and resilience to environmental stress. This review discusses the types of algae used in agriculture, their multifunctional applications, and cost-effective cultivation techniques. Methods such as open pond systems, wastewater-based cultivation, photobioreactors with non-conventional energy sources, and algae production on marginal lands are explored for their scalability and feasibility. Additionally, the use of agricultural waste and inexpensive nutrient sources to lower production costs is discussed. Although algal biofertilizers show prospects for sustainable farming, high cultivation costs and scalability problems must be addressed. This review identifies key technical and economic barriers, assesses the scalability of proposed methods, and outlines research and policy priorities for advancing algae-based biofertilizers. While algae hold promises for reducing chemical fertilizer dependence, their broad adoption will require integrated solutions that address cost-efficiency, regulatory support, and system-level integration into existing agricultural practices.
Rahman et al. (Thu,) studied this question.