Economic Potential of Algae Biostimulant for Sustainable Agriculture in the Baltic Sea Region: Impact of Furcellaria lumbricalis Digestate Extract on Basil Growth Promotion
Abstract
1. Introduction
- To conduct an analysis of the scientific literature (scoping review) on the potential of Furcellaria lumbricalis as an algae biostimulant in agriculture, collecting information on its composition, biomass availability and economic value in the Baltic Sea region and analysing gross cover data and international research results.
- Design and implement the experimental part:
- to carry out an anaerobic fermentation process for the production of algae digestate of Furcellaria lumbricalis under controlled conditions;
- to develop an automated environmental control system for growing crops under controlled conditions;
- to conduct experimental studies with different concentrations of algae extract (0%, 3%, 6%, 12%).
- To analyse the results obtained on the increase in green mass depending on the applied extract concentration and to draw conclusions on the effectiveness of the application of algae extract in sustainable agriculture.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Literature Review and Data Analysis
2.2. Economic Analysis Methodology
2.3. Preparation of the Digestate
2.4. Plant-Growing Equipment
2.5. Plant Test Methodology
3. Results
3.1. The Potential of Algae Biostimulants for the Development of Sustainable Agriculture
3.1.1. Effects of Algae Extracts on Crop Yield
- In Poland: cereals and potatoes;
- In Denmark: cereals and fodder crops;
- In Sweden and Finland: cereals and rapeseed;
- In the Baltic countries: cereals, rapeseed and legumes.
3.1.2. Anaerobic Digestate Production
3.1.3. Characterisation of the Chemical Composition and Biostimulant Properties of Algae Digestate Extract
3.1.4. Crop Test Results
- First experiment.
- Second experiment.
3.2. Availability of Algae Biomass and Technological Aspects
4. Discussion
- The experimental results indicate that 3% Furcellaria lumbricalis digestate extract significantly enhances basil (Ocimum basilicum) growth, increasing green mass by 52.7% to 85.4%. These results are very promising and indicate the high effectiveness of the extract. However, it was observed that a higher concentration (6%) demonstrated lower effectiveness, highlighting the need for the careful optimisation of concentration depending on the crop and environmental conditions. The study demonstrates the economic potential of algal biostimulants in Latvian agriculture, with projections of gross profit increases of 10–20% for different crops. Using the Gross Profit Calculation Tool (2023 version) developed by the Latvian Rural Advisory and Education Centre (LRAC) and yield increase estimates derived from the peer-reviewed literature, it was calculated that gross profit could increase by 357–476 EUR/ha for potatoes and 80–107 EUR/ha for rapeseed (see Section 2.2 for detailed methodology and Table 2 for comprehensive results). These estimates take into account both yield improvements and additional costs associated with the use of biostimulants. However, it should be noted that these calculations are based on theoretical modelling and laboratory experiments and that practical results may vary depending on factors such as climatic conditions and soil characteristics.
- Furcellaria lumbricalis is a significant biomass resource in the Baltic Sea region, with different distributions in different countries. The study reveals that Estonia has the most significant biomass available, with 150,000 tonnes of wet weight per year, followed by Latvia with 20,000–30,000 tonnes per year. This resource base offers substantial development opportunities in the production of biostimulants and biorefining.
- The analysis of the enzyme composition (Table 4) provides valuable preliminary information on the potential nutritional value of the Furcellaria lumbricalis digestate. At the same time, it should be noted that these results are preliminary characterisations and not definitive proof of the efficacy of the biostimulant. The relatively stable pH and significant organic matter content suggest potential soil replenishing properties, while the presence of various macro- and micro-nutrients suggests possible nutritional benefits. However, in order to properly contextualise these findings, it is important to carry out comparative studies with established commercial biostimulants. Future studies should investigate not only the nutrient composition but also their bioavailability, the presence of plant growth-promoting compounds, such as phytohormones and signalling molecules, and possible synergistic effects between components. Particular attention should be paid to the relatively high calcium content (1.68%), as calcium plays a crucial role in cell wall formation and in signalling the plant stress response.
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Challenge Category | Descriptions | Potential Benefits |
---|---|---|
Technological aspects | Optimisation of extraction and formulation is needed to ensure consistency and efficiency. Scalability of production processes. | Improving crop productivity and stress tolerance. |
Variations in efficiency | Effectiveness varies according to crop type, environmental conditions and application methods; further research is needed for optimisation. | Adapting biostimulants to specific crops and conditions. |
Economic viability | Production and application costs must be competitive with traditional tools. | Potential long-term reduction of agricultural costs |
Lack of scientific understanding | Incomplete understanding of precise mechanisms of action; uncertain long-term effects on soil and ecosystem. | Developing more effective biostimulants based on new knowledge. |
Regulatory framework | Different regulations in different regions; EU Fertilisers Regulation 2019/1009 provides a framework, but compliance processes are complex. | Promoting market development using common framework |
Crop | Average Gross Margin 2018–2023 (EUR/ha) | Projected Increase (%) | Potential Gross Margin (EUR/ha) | Difference (EUR/ha) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Winter wheat | 408.83 | 10–15 | 449.71–470.15 | 40.88–61.32 |
Spring wheat | 321.17 | 10–15 | 353.29–369.34 | 32.12–48.17 |
Rapeseed | 535.83 | 15–20 | 616.20–643.00 | 80.37–107.17 |
Potatoes | 2380.83 | 15–20 | 2737.95–2857.00 | 357.12–476.17 |
Oats | 225.00 | 8–12 | 243.00–252.00 | 18.00–27.00 |
Buckwheat | 360.50 | 8–12 | 389.34–403.76 | 28.84–43.26 |
Seaweed Extract | Main Ingredients | Amount in Extract | Key Benefits |
---|---|---|---|
Kelp Extract (Laminaria spp., Pterygophora californica and Eisenia arborea) | Auxins, Cytokinins, Polyamines, Phlorotannins | Auxins: 11 mg/L, Cytokinins: 0.03 mg/L | Stimulates root development, increases yield |
Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract (Ascophyllum nodosum) | Glycine betaine, Aminovaleric acid betaine, Fucoidan | Glycine betaine: 50 mg/g dry matter | Promotes growth, increases stress tolerance |
Sargassum Extract (Sargassum fusiforme and Sargassum spinuligerum) | Flavonoids, Phenols, Triterpenoids | Flavonoids: 57 µg/mL | Enhances the immune response in plants |
Chlorella Extract (Chlorella vulgaris) | Carotenoids, Chlorophyll, Amino acids | Carotenoids: 10–20 mg/L | Promotes growth and nutritional value |
Spirulina Extract (Spirulina maxima and Spirulina platensis) | Phycocyanin, Carotenoids, Amino acids | Phycocyanin: 1–4 mg/L | Promotes growth and nutrient intake |
Determined Indicator | Measurement | Sample 1 | Sample 2 | Result Uncertainty | Testing Method |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Environmental reaction, pH (KCl) | pH units | 5.4 | 5.6 | 0.2 | ISO 10390:2021 [45] |
Organic matter content in dry mass | % | 47.5 | - | 2.4 | LVS EN 13039:2012 [46] |
Dry matter | % | 2.07 | 1.87 | 0.10 | LVS EN 13040:2008 [47] |
Total nitrogen in naturally moist sample mass | % | 0.026 | 0.091 | 0.01 | LVS EN 13654-1:2003 [48] |
Total phosphorus (P2O5) in naturally moist sample mass | % | 0.235 | 0.020 | 0.003 | LVS 398:2002 [49] |
Total potassium (K2O) in naturally moist sample mass | % | 0.230 | 0.110 | 0.019 | LVS ISO 11466:1995 [50] |
Calcium (Ca) in naturally moist sample mass | % | - | 1.68 | 0.13 | LVS ISO 11466:1995 LVS EN ISO 7980:2000 [51] |
Magnesium (Mg) in naturally moist sample mass | mg/kg | - | 0.049 | 0.004 | LVS ISO 11466:1995 LVS EN ISO 7980:2000 [51] |
Manganese (Mn) in naturally moist sample mass | mg/kg | - | 8.05 | 0.72 | LVS ISO 11047:1998 A [52] |
Iron (Fe) in naturally moist sample mass | mg/kg | - | 19.3 | 1.5 | LVS ISO 11466:1995 Stand.Meth.3111B:2017 [53] |
Country | Algae Species | Average algae Biomass (t/Year) | Current Use (t/Year) | Potential for Use | Economic Value (EUR Million/Year) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Estonia | Furcellaria lumbricalis | 150,000 | Furcellaran production (2000 t/year) | Biostimulants, food additives | 15–20 |
Latvia | Furcellaria lumbricalis | 20,000–30,000 | Washed algae collection (500 t/year) | Biostimulants, biorefining | 2–3 |
Poland | Furcellaria lumbricalis | <1000 | No data | Restoration potential, ecosystem services | 0.1–0.5 |
Sweden | Furcellaria lumbricalis | 5000–10,000 | Experimental use (for research) | Sustainable management, biostimulants | 1–2 |
Finland | Fucus vesiculosus, Ulva spp. | 50,000–70,000 | Experimental (100 t/year for research) | Research and development, bioactive compounds | 5–7 |
Germany | Zostera marina, Fucus spp. | 10,000–15,000 | Limited (200 t/year for coastal protection) | Research and development, ecosystem services | 1–1.5 |
Aspect | Description | Reported Effectiveness |
---|---|---|
Application methods | Seed treatment: soaking in algae extract solutions before sowing | Improves germination by 20–30% |
Foliar treatment: spraying extracts on the leaves of the plant | Increases photosynthetic rate by ~75% | |
Soil treatment: incorporation of extracts or biomass into the soil | Enhances soil structure and microbial activity | |
Hydroponic cultivation: adding extracts to the nutrient solution | Accelerates plant growth by 15–25% | |
Forms of application | Liquid extracts | Easily absorbed, fast-acting |
Powdered extracts | Longer lasting, easy to store | |
Granulated products | Even distribution in the soil | |
Live algae cells | Long-lasting, improves soil structure | |
Optimisation aspects | Timing and frequency of application depending on crop and growth stage | Optimum effectiveness when applied 3–7 times per season |
Adjusting the concentration to the crop and conditions | Usually effective concentrations in the range of 0.2–2% | |
Combination with other biostimulants or fertilisers | Synergistic effect, allowing a 30–50% reduction in chemical fertilisers |
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Skapste, I.; Grinberga-Zalite, G.; Žaimis, U. Economic Potential of Algae Biostimulant for Sustainable Agriculture in the Baltic Sea Region: Impact of Furcellaria lumbricalis Digestate Extract on Basil Growth Promotion. Sustainability 2025, 17, 3268. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17073268
Skapste I, Grinberga-Zalite G, Žaimis U. Economic Potential of Algae Biostimulant for Sustainable Agriculture in the Baltic Sea Region: Impact of Furcellaria lumbricalis Digestate Extract on Basil Growth Promotion. Sustainability. 2025; 17(7):3268. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17073268
Chicago/Turabian StyleSkapste, Inese, Gunta Grinberga-Zalite, and Uldis Žaimis. 2025. "Economic Potential of Algae Biostimulant for Sustainable Agriculture in the Baltic Sea Region: Impact of Furcellaria lumbricalis Digestate Extract on Basil Growth Promotion" Sustainability 17, no. 7: 3268. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17073268
APA StyleSkapste, I., Grinberga-Zalite, G., & Žaimis, U. (2025). Economic Potential of Algae Biostimulant for Sustainable Agriculture in the Baltic Sea Region: Impact of Furcellaria lumbricalis Digestate Extract on Basil Growth Promotion. Sustainability, 17(7), 3268. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17073268