The Benefits of Algae in Integrated AquaVegeculture Systems (iAVs)
The algae component of this system is essential for stabilizing nutrient concentrations and enhancing overall system efficiency.
Algae, naturally growing on the surface of the furrows in the biofilter in iAVs, act as a nutrient stabilizer by absorbing excess nutrients that would otherwise go unused, particularly phosphorus compounds. This process prevents nutrient overload, maintains optimal nutrient levels, and supports healthy plant development.
Furthermore, algae play a key role in nutrient cycling by storing and gradually releasing nutrients as plant growth demands increase.
They also contribute to mechanical filtration by forming a biofilm on the sand-filled furrows, which traps fine particulate matter and enhances the removal of suspended solids from the water.
Additionally, algae can influence the presence and activity of pathogens in iAVs by competing for nutrients, producing antimicrobial compounds, and enhancing the overall microbial community.
Their production of secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties helps prevent the growth and reproduction of pathogens, further enhancing the system’s overall efficiency.
In traditional AP systems, users often need to add supplementary fertilizers, but in iAVs, not only do we not need to add any, but we get a whole bunch of other things for FREE;
Phytohormones: Algae make phytohormones like auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins that are super important for helping plants grow and develop. Auxins help roots grow longer, cytokinins help cells divide and shoots form, and gibberellins help seeds sprout and stems get taller. These hormones really boost a plant’s energy and how fast it grows.
Polysaccharides like alginates and carrageenans from algae can help improve soil structure and water retention. They make it easier for roots to grow and take up nutrients by increasing soil aeration and moisture availability.
Amino Acids: Algae are packed with amino acids, which are essential for building proteins and helping with different metabolic processes. Amino acids such as glutamic acid and glycine work as chelating agents, making it easier for plants to absorb important nutrients.
Amino acids made by algae, like glutamic acid and glycine, are like little helpers that grab onto metal ions in a process called chelation. They form stable complexes that can dissolve in water, making nutrients like iron and potassium easier for plants to absorb. These chelates are stable and soluble, preventing iron from precipitating out of solution and becoming unavailable to plants.
Algae have the cool ability to grab iron from their surroundings and change it into forms that are easy for their bodies to use. They usually stash the iron as ferric ions (Fe3+), which can transform into ferrous ions (Fe2+) once they get into the medium where the algae are growing. This change is important because plants tend to soak up iron better in the ferrous form.
Algae can also support beneficial microbial communities in the rhizosphere, which further aid in nutrient cycling and availability. For instance, algae can enhance the activity of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, which play a role in converting sulfur into sulfate, an essential nutrient for plants.
Algae can also help make more potassium available by creating organic acids that release potassium from soil minerals. This boosts the amount of potassium that plants can use, which is crucial for things like activating enzymes and regulating water balance in plants.
By stabilizing nutrient concentrations, enhancing nutrient cycling, providing mechanical filtration, and supporting beneficial microbial communities, iAVs offers a holistic and efficient approach to sustainable agriculture. This system not only eliminates the need for supplementary fertilizers, but also provides a range of additional benefits that promote healthy plant growth and development, making it a truly superior method for sustainable food production.
In summary;
- Nutrient stabilization: Algae naturally grow on the surface of the furrows in the biofilter, acting as a nutrient stabilizer by absorbing excess nutrients, particularly phosphorus compounds. This prevents nutrient overload and maintains optimal nutrient levels for plant development.
- Nutrient cycling: Algae store and gradually release nutrients as plant growth demands increase. This process helps balance the nutrient concentrations in the system.
- Mechanical filtration: Algae form a biofilm on the sand-filled furrows, trapping fine particulate matter and enhancing the removal of suspended solids from the water.
- Pathogen control: Algae can influence the presence and activity of pathogens by competing for nutrients and producing antimicrobial compounds.
- Phytohormone production: Algae produce important phytohormones like auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins, which boost plant growth and development.
- Soil improvement: Algal polysaccharides like alginates and carrageenans can help improve soil structure and water retention.
- Nutrient availability: Algae enhance the availability of nutrients like iron and potassium, making them more accessible to plants.
- Microbial support: Algae support beneficial microbial communities in the rhizosphere, aiding in nutrient cycling and availability.
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