Anaerobic fermented algae furcellaria lumbricalis tablets as a dual-purpose fertilizer and substrate for sustainable seedling growth

Liepaja University, Faculty of Science and Engineering, liela iela 14, 3401, Liepaja, Latvia

^* Corresponding author: sintija.ozolina@liepu.lv

Abstract

This article presents a study focused on the creation, evaluation of anaerobic fermented algae Furcellaria lumbricalis pressed biomass tablets as a dual-purpose fertilizer and substrate for sustainable seedling growth. The research aims to address the need for more sustainable agricultural practices by exploring alternative solutions to chemical fertilizers. The methodology involved collecting and preparing Furcellaria Lumbricalis algae from the Baltic Sea coast, followed by anaerobic fermentation in a small-scale bioreactor. The resulting digestate was formed into tablets using a designed press and template. A growth experiment was conducted using basil seeds, comparing the performance of seedlings grown with the algae tablets to those grown with traditional substrate. The results showed that the seedlings grown using the anaerobic fermented algae tablets exhibited comparable growth rates and biomass to those grown with conventional methods. Effectiveness of the tablets can be attributed to the breakdown of organic matter during the fermentation process, which makes nutrients more accessible to plants and improves their uptake. However, further research is necessary to optimize the concentrations and formulations of the anaerobic fermented algae tablets. The effectiveness of these tablets should be evaluated in different plant species and growing conditions. In conclusion, this study provides promising evidence that anaerobic fermented algae Furcellaria Lumbricalis tablets could serve as an effective and sustainable solution for fertilizer and substrate needs in seedling growth.