EFFECTS OF BLUE-GREEN ALGAE IN CONDITIONING AGRICULTURAL SOIL AND POTENTIAL OF APPLICATION IN VIETNAM - A REVIEW

Abstract

Agricultural land in Vietnam not only decreases in the area but also confronts the degradation of soil quality due to both natural and social-economic factors. Traditional soil conditioners, particularly organic fertilizers, have been more and more inadequate and difficult to control the quality. Recently, the role and potential of microalgae and blue-green algae in particular in agriculture have become a concerning subject of many researchers. The objectives of this review were to summarize the benefits of using blue-green algae in enhancing soil fertility as well as improving the yield and quality of agricultural products. The author has approached and updated the latest publications on the application of cyanobacteria in the world and studies on the distribution, species composition, and culturing conditions in Vietnam. Accordingly, the effectiveness of using c blue-green algae in soil amelioration has been systematically shown and the conditions of Vietnam are absolutely suitable for the cultivation of these microorganisms. Further studies should be required to overcome the obstacles in the use and culture of microalgae in Vietnam.