Microalgas como biofertilizantes: Uma revisão bibliográfica

Abstract

Microalgae, photosynthetic organisms of polyphyletic origin, stand out for their rapid growth, adaptability, and economic viability in small-scale cultivation. These characteristics enable their production in restricted or inhospitable areas for conventional agriculture, making them a sustainable alternative. This work aims to gather scientific knowledge on the use of microalgae as biofertilizers through a critical literature review. The methodology consisted of analyzing publications indexed in academic databases, focusing on identifying the main species and genera used, as well as the associated agricultural crops. The search was conducted on Google Scholar using the term "microalgae in biofertilizer production," resulting in 814 publications. After selection criteria based on methodological relevance and applicability, 19 studies were included in the analysis. Microalgal biofertilizers represent a promising solution to combine agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability. However, their large-scale adoption depends on technological advancements, political incentives, and increased scientific dissemination. It is concluded that microalgae have the potential to partially replace synthetic fertilizers, offering economic and environmental advantages, provided operational and structural challenges are overcome. Their use is configured as a relevant strategy to promote sustainable agricultural practices, especially for some species whose cultivation and applications are already well established.