Sustainable agriculture aims at enhancing agricultural production by adopting environmental friendly technology. Algaeare diverse group of unique organism possessing myriad of potentials. They are photosynthetic microbes inhabiting plethora of habitats. Algae are pioneers of the biological transformation of solar energy and nutrients from the waste to the biomass of algae, which can undergo anaerobic fermentation giving methane (approximately 60%) and of Carbon dioxide (about 40%), which in turn can be returned to cultivation of algae as a source of carbon. They have been exploited in agriculture since decades as biofertilizers, soil stablisers and plant growth promoters. Algae production could be more ecofriendly and efficient by closing production cycles, where agricultural wastes and animal wastes are used as a medium for the growth of algae. The biomass generated by virtue of remediation of waste water or utilization of nutrients not consumed by animals can be exploited for biofuels and nutraceuticals. The use of molecular techniques can also enhanced our capacity to understand and manage the algae-crop interaction and this will lead to new products with improved effectiveness and efficiency. Genetic enhancement of algal strains with improved effectiveness may involve addition of one or more traits associated with plant growth promotion. Algal biofertilizers can provide a suitable support to agriculture by reducing use of chemical fertilizers, and ‘organic farming ’can become a reality in the future by exploring the unique potential of algae.
Sustainability, Algae, agriculture, biofertilizer, biostimulants, soil stabilizers, algalization
