High performing crops do not come from chemistry alone. Beneath every strong root system is a complex soil microbiome that drives nutrient cycling, carbon storage, and disease suppression. Overuse of synthetic fertilizers and aggressive tillage can simplify this underground community and reduce its function. Algaeo’s goal is to help farmers rebuild that biology with a living microalgae based biofertilizer that works alongside existing fertility programs.
Why the Soil Microbiome Is a Core Yield Driver
Soil microbes are responsible for key functions such as nutrient mineralization, nitrogen fixation, organic matter decomposition, and suppression of soil borne diseases [1][2]. Reviews show that diverse microbial communities increase nutrient use efficiency, enhance plant resistance to environmental stress, and improve overall crop productivity [3][4]. When the microbiome is depleted, farmers often need higher chemical rates just to maintain the same yield. When biology is restored, the same fertilizers can work more efficiently, which improves margin per acre.
Microalgae as an Engine for Biological Inputs
Microalgae such as Chlorella vulgaris and related species are emerging as powerful plant biostimulants. Reviews on green agriculture and microalgae describe their potential to serve as biofertilizers and biostimulants that fix nitrogen and carbon, promote root growth, and support soil structure [5][6]. Experimental work shows that microalgae based biofertilizers can increase yields, improve soil microbial communities, and maintain or lower greenhouse gas intensity compared to conventional programs [7][8][9].
Inside Algaeo’s Living Biofertilizer
Algaeo’s product is a 1-1-1 NPK liquid biofertilizer that combines microalgae with beneficial microbes. The consortium can include:
- Microalgae such as Chlorella vulgaris
- Beneficial bacteria like Maritalea porphyrae (DMPSP31) and Labrenzia aggregata (YP26)
- Additional plant associated microbes that support nutrient solubilization and root stimulation
This living mix is designed to work with the native soil microbiome rather than replace it. The goal is to increase microbial diversity and activity in the rhizosphere so that nutrients are cycled more efficiently and roots explore more soil volume.
Translating Biology into Business Outcomes
A stronger soil microbiome has several business level effects:
- More efficient use of N, P, and K inputs
- Improved water infiltration and water holding capacity in the root zone
- Lower risk of yield loss in stressful years
- A clearer sustainability story for buyers and lenders
Reviews on soil microbiome interventions highlight the potential to increase soil health, plant productivity, and carbon sequestration at the same time [3][10]. Algaeo’s on farm production modules allow growers to produce this living input locally. This cuts freight costs, allows flexible concentration, and builds a long term soil asset that can continue to pay off in future seasons.
A Practical Path Forward
Farmers do not need to abandon conventional inputs overnight. Instead, they can introduce Algaeo’s living biofertilizer into existing programs, monitor yield, quality, and soil indicators, and gradually adjust synthetic rates as biology begins to carry more of the workload.
References
[1] European Institute for Environmental Policy. The role of the soil microbiome in agricultural soil functions. Policy Report, 2022.
[2] Wang X. et al. Soil bacteria and their collective role in plant growth and soil structure. Applied Soil Ecology, 2023.
[3] Suman J. et al. Microbiome as a key player in sustainable agriculture. Frontiers in Soil Science, 2022.
[4] Chen Q. et al. Soil microorganisms and their central role in nutrient cycling and disease suppression. Diversity, 2024.
[5] Ramakrishnan B. et al. Potential of microalgae and cyanobacteria to improve soil fertility and crop productivity. Environmental Science: Advances, 2023.
[6] Chabili A. et al. Microalgae and cyanobacteria as plant biostimulants. Plants, 2024.
[7] Song X. et al. Microalgae biofertilizer improving tomato yields and soil microbial communities. Journal of Applied Phycology, 2022.
[8] Ma F. et al. Live microalgae biofertilizer and reduced carbon intensity in fruit production. Science of the Total Environment, 2023.
[9] Kabato W. S. et al. Microalgae strategies for soil health and crop productivity. Agronomy, 2025.
[10] mSystems Consortium. Soil microbiome interventions for soil health and carbon sequestration. mSystems, 2023.