Algae-based Biofertilisers

New innovative technologies are required to increase resource efficiency, decarbonisation, and recycling capacity without reducing crop productivity and quality. Algae fertilisers (AF) could play an important role in a circular nutrient economy by increasing both plant and soil health, while maintaining earths vital systems.

Objective/mission (The vision): We aim to develop algae fertilisers and benchmark them in terms of crop and soil health against existing synthetic fertilisers.

Research approach (The initiative): Crop yield fertiliser dose-response trials, nutrient leachate studies, soil microbiome dose-response analysis, interaction studies of soil microbes, high-throughput optimisation of microbial production, native microbe screenings.

Impacts and applications: Reduction of the environmental footprint of agriculture (decarbonisation of fertiliser production, nutrient recycling, improve nutrient use efficiency, enhance soil organic carbon).

Partners/collaborators: Prof Susanne Schmidt