Leveraging seaweeds as a potential biostimulant for agriculture sustainability

Abstract

Seaweeds or macroalgae are primary producers and ample space inhabitants in marine ecosystems with great ecological and economic importance. At present, excessive application of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides in agricultural practices and is considered as the main cause for the reduction of beneficial soil microbial diversity, diminution in soil quality and fertility, and contamination of groundwater resources. Therefore, a substitute for chemical fertilizer is urgently needed. As a natural resource, seaweeds are a viable alternative to chemical fertilizers not only harmless to the environment but also rich in various micro and macro elements, vitamins, fatty acids, and growth regulators. Extracts of seaweeds are usually used in agriculture practices largely for their plant growth-promoting effects and their ameliorating effect on crop tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses. This chapter aims to explore the potential of seaweed extracts in agriculture sustainability as metabolic enhancers, tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, and nutritional and bioactive potential of seaweed substances.