Microalgae Chlorella Species as Biofertilizer: Towards Sustainable Crop Nutrition and Environmental Benefits

Abstract

Simple Summary Chemical fertilizers are costly and bring multiple environmental concerns: they contribute to serious ecological issues, including air and groundwater pollution, soil acidification and deterioration, and root damage. Biofertilizers constitute eco-friendly alternatives to conventional chemical fertilizers, and can boost high-yield crop production and improve root development. Microalgae constitute a promising solution and are being increasingly recognized for their high potential as biofertilizers, capable of restoring soil fertility, promoting plant growth, and enhancing the chemical and biological characteristics of soil. Among the microalgae species studied for their economic potential, Chlorella stands out as particularly promising for biofertilizer production after several studies in Petri dishes and in soil. Chlorella is also used to treat wastewater and the resulting biomass and water have considerable biofertilizing effects.