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Article summary:
1. Microalgae are renewable resources with potential applications in agricultural settings, such as biological nitrogen fixation, soil phosphorus cycling, effects on soil microorganisms, plant growth promotion, biocontrol and soil stabilization.
2. This review summarizes progress on microalgal biofilms and consortia as platforms for technological improvement and outlines research needs for future advances.
3. Microalgae can be used to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides while maintaining high agricultural productivities and mitigating environmental impacts.
Article analysis:
The article is generally reliable and trustworthy in its presentation of the potential of microalgae in agricultural settings. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the various ways that microalgae can be used to improve soil fertility, promote plant growth, protect plants from pests and pathogens, fix carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, produce exopolysaccharides to improve soil structure, solubilize immobilized phosphorus, capture excess nutrients from waste effluents for plant growth, and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The article also outlines research needs for future advances in this field.
The article does not appear to have any major biases or one-sided reporting; it presents a balanced view of the potential benefits of using microalgae in agriculture while also noting some of the challenges associated with their use (e.g., scaled production of inoculum). The claims made in the article are supported by evidence from laboratory and greenhouse studies as well as field studies. There are no missing points of consideration or unexplored counterarguments that could weaken the argument presented in the article. Furthermore, there is no promotional content or partiality present in the article; it presents both sides equally without favoring one over the other. Finally, possible risks associated with using microalgae are noted throughout the article (e.g., potential toxicity due to bioactive substances produced by microalgae).