Potencial biotecnológico de las macroalgas en la agricultura

Abstract

Algae are a renewable resource that have been used since the beginning of agriculture in areas near the coasts and their use is determined by the availability of the algae species in each place. Currently, algae are ground to a fine powder and extracts are prepared with it, being the most used in agriculture in different countries of the world due to the immediate response that crops have to different compounds such as micro and macronutrients, growth regulators, among others. Any of the three forms in which algae are applied (wet, dried and extracts) improves soil characteristics and increase crops production. This paper exposes the different biotechnological applications of marine macroalgae with the purpose of promotting their use through their cultivation, as well as taking advantage of the algae whased ashore that reach the beaches to promote ecological agriculture.