The Use of Marine Biomass in Biofertiliser and Biostimulant Production: Current Status and Future Perspectives: Blue Bioeconomy: Value-added Products from Marine Algae and Microorganisms

The use of different marine biomass materials as biofertilisers has been
recognised since the beginning of human civilisation – particularly the use
of seaweeds in agriculture. The production of biofertilisers (or components
of biofertilizers) from seaweed or other alternative marine materials is currently
of high interest given the global desire to move away from unsustainable
synthetic fertiliser products. A more circular approach – that
brings together the blue-green economies – is also consistent with UN Sustainable
Development Goals to promote more “responsible consumption
and production” patterns. The overuse of current (NPK) fertilisers within
intensive agriculture is now leading to global shortages and depleting stocks
of critical resources like mined rock phosphate. This chapter explores past
and present research, commercial application, and future perspectives
in using micro/macro algae, cyanobacteria, and other marine resources
(i.e., crustacean and shell waste biomass) to help displace our reliance on
traditional fertilisers. Such materials may be used in the raw form or following
certain treatment processes (i.e., pyrolysis, functionalisation, nutrient
enrichment, or extraction of bioactives) before their application in soil.
Additionally, the chapter explores the unknowns and potential risks of using
biofertilisers for both human and environmental health.