Author: Xianhui Xue, Yu Wang, Fengzheng Gao, Xinjuan Hu, Feifei Zhu, Xiangru Xu, Zhen Yu, Lei Huang, Shuhao Huo
Citation: Xue, Xianhui, et al. "Unlocking the potential of microalgae biofertilizers: Analysis of nutrient supply mechanisms and industrial challenges for sustainable agriculture." Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 237 (2026): 117025.
Abstract:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1364032126003242
Microalgae biofertilizers harness photosynthetic carbon fixation, biological nitrogen fixation, and phosphorus solubilization to improve crop nutrition and soil health. Quantitative synthesis of the literature indicates that reported increases in soil available phosphorus range from approximately 20%-90%, depending on microalgal strain and soil conditions. Nitrogen fixation rates of cyanobacteria in field settings are typically 30-50% lower than those measured under optimal laboratory conditions, highlighting the importance of environmental context. Extracellular secretions, including polysaccharides and phytohormones, enhance soil aggregation, water retention, and plant stress tolerance, while lysed cells release organic nitrogen, phosphorus, and trace elements that sustain soil microbial activity. Despite these benefits, commercialization faces several barriers. Toxin-producing strains pose biosafety risks. Production costs remain high, with harvesting and dewatering accounting for an estimated 20-30% of total expenses. Storage stability is limited under ambient conditions, and farmer awareness of microalgal products is low. Overcoming these obstacles requires integrated innovations: AI-assisted cultivation optimization, genetic engineering for resilient strains, circular economy strategies using waste-derived nutrients, and supportive policies that incentivize adoption. Region-specific closed-loop systems combining on-site microalgae cultivation with irrigation infrastructure offer a promising pathway. This review systematically analyzes nutrient supply mechanisms, identifies major industrial and adoption challenges, and outlines future trajectories, positioning microalgae biofertilizers as a viable component of climate-smart and ecologically sustainable agriculture.
Author: Xianhui Xue, Yu Wang, Fengzheng Gao, Xinjuan Hu, Feifei Zhu, Xiangru Xu, Zhen Yu, Lei Huang, Shuhao Huo
Citation: Xue, Xianhui, et al. "Unlocking the potential of microalgae biofertilizers: Analysis of nutrient supply mechanisms and industrial challenges for sustainable agriculture." Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 237 (2026): 117025.
Abstract:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1364032126003242
Microalgae biofertilizers harness photosynthetic carbon fixation, biological nitrogen fixation, and phosphorus solubilization to improve crop nutrition and soil health. Quantitative synthesis of the literature indicates that reported increases in soil available phosphorus range from approximately 20%-90%, depending on microalgal strain and soil conditions. Nitrogen fixation rates of cyanobacteria in field settings are typically 30-50% lower than those measured under optimal laboratory conditions, highlighting the importance of environmental context. Extracellular secretions, including polysaccharides and phytohormones, enhance soil aggregation, water retention, and plant stress tolerance, while lysed cells release organic nitrogen, phosphorus, and trace elements that sustain soil microbial activity. Despite these benefits, commercialization faces several barriers. Toxin-producing strains pose biosafety risks. Production costs remain high, with harvesting and dewatering accounting for an estimated 20-30% of total expenses. Storage stability is limited under ambient conditions, and farmer awareness of microalgal products is low. Overcoming these obstacles requires integrated innovations: AI-assisted cultivation optimization, genetic engineering for resilient strains, circular economy strategies using waste-derived nutrients, and supportive policies that incentivize adoption. Region-specific closed-loop systems combining on-site microalgae cultivation with irrigation infrastructure offer a promising pathway. This review systematically analyzes nutrient supply mechanisms, identifies major industrial and adoption challenges, and outlines future trajectories, positioning microalgae biofertilizers as a viable component of climate-smart and ecologically sustainable agriculture.