Study highlights the potential of cyanobacteria as biofertilizers
Phys.org
2024.03.29
One ecosystem's trash could be another ecosystem's treasure, according to scientists studying cyanobacteria, more commonly known as blue-green algae.
Cyanobacteria are commonly found in South Florida freshwaters and some are capable of producing a variety of toxins and harmful algal blooms. It also has a high iron content, unlike local crop soils. In a new study published in Environments, researchers found they can actually use cyanobacteria as a biofertilizer in iron deficient soils, turning this economic and environmental threat into a cost-effective solution for local farmers.
"Cyanobacteria as biofertilizers has not been used in South Florida," Agroecology Professor Krishnaswamy Jayachandran said. "To our knowledge, this is the first study to collect naturally growing cyanobacteria for producing a biofertilizer and demonstrating ecological, environmental, economic and agriculture resilience."
One ecosystem's trash could be another ecosystem's treasure, according to scientists studying cyanobacteria, more commonly known as blue-green algae.
Cyanobacteria are commonly found in South Florida freshwaters and some are capable of producing a variety of toxins and harmful algal blooms. It also has a high iron content, unlike local crop soils. In a new study published in Environments, researchers found they can actually use cyanobacteria as a biofertilizer in iron deficient soils, turning this economic and environmental threat into a cost-effective solution for local farmers.
"Cyanobacteria as biofertilizers has not been used in South Florida," Agroecology Professor Krishnaswamy Jayachandran said. "To our knowledge, this is the first study to collect naturally growing cyanobacteria for producing a biofertilizer and demonstrating ecological, environmental, economic and agriculture resilience."
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