Use of Microalgae and Cyanobacteria in Sustainable Agriculture

Microalgae and cyanobacteria in the soil play an important role in maintaining the balance of nutrients, carbon storage and soil health. Among the useful biological applications of these two groups of organisms in the soil, we can mention strengthening the growth of plants, creating mutual relationships with other microbes, and detoxifying chemicals such as insecticides and herbicides. Unlike plants, microalgae do not have roots, stems and leaves. Microalgae are capable of photosynthesis and play an important role in the Earth's life cycle, producing on average half of the oxygen in the atmosphere. The biodiversity of microalgae is very high. The number of species of microalgae is estimated to be around ۲۰۰,۰۰۰ to ۸۰۰,۰۰۰ species, and so far ۵۰,۰۰۰ of them have been fully identified. Many of these microalgae produce substances with unique properties such as carotenoids, antioxidants, fatty acids, enzymes, polymers, peptides, toxins, and sterols. Towards sustainable agriculture to maintain soil fertility and a healthy ecosystem with low inputs has been very popular in recent years. Attention has been paid. The basis of sustainable agriculture is highly dependent on soil, which is the most important element of crop production and needs nutrients for its long-term stability and fertility. Since soil is the largest reservoir of organic carbon and helps regulate greenhouse gases, understanding soil ecology is very important for ecosystem sustainability and habitat restoration. The role of soil microbiota is to increase organic compounds such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphate and potassium. Microalgae and cyanobacteria in the soil release nutrients, organic compounds and active components. These compounds can be used as food for other organisms such as bacteria, fungi and invertebrates. These "beneficial microorganisms" have high potential in nutrient recycling, organic waste decomposition, detoxification of harmful chemicals, control of plant pathogens, and production of metabolites such as hormones, vitamins, and enzymes. Although information about the population dynamics of microalgae and cyanobacteria helps to understand their role in soil ecology, the beneficial effects of these microorganisms in soil ecosystems are of great importance and have not been fully described yet. This article reviews past studies on the use of these microorganisms in sustainable agriculture

Keywords:

Microalgae“ , ”Cyanobacteria“ , ”Sustainable Agriculture“ , ” Microrganism.