Biostimulant potential of microalgae in hydroponic agriculture in arid and semi-arid areas
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Jun 3, 2026
Keywords:
Hormonal regulation; abiotic stress tolerance; soilless crops; plant nutrition; agricultural productivity.
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Abstract
Introduction: the use of microalgae as biostimulants has gained relevance in hydroponic agriculture, particularly in arid and semi-arid environments where environmental stress constrains productivity. Objective: to conduct a systematic review of scientific literature on the use of microalgae as biostimulants in hydroponic agriculture systems applied in arid and semi-arid regions, with the aim of integrating available evidence, identifying relevant physiological and agronomic patterns, and providing a reference framework to support the development of sustainable production strategies under environmental stress conditions. Methodology: a qualitative systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, analyzing indexed studies published between 2021 and 2025, based on criteria related to the use of microalgae in hydroponic crops and the evaluation of productive and physiological variables under water and saline stress conditions. Results: the application of microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus spp., and Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), showed consistent increases in biomass, leaf area, and yield, along with improvements in photosynthetic efficiency, chlorophyll content, antioxidant activity, and nutrient uptake, particularly under arid conditions. Conclusion: microalgae represent an effective biostimulant tool to enhance physiological resilience and sustainability in hydroponic systems in arid and semi-arid regions, provided their application is properly adapted to system design and environmental conditions. General Area of Study: Agricultural Sciences. Specific Area of Study: Hydroponic agriculture. Type of study: Systematic literature review.
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Zambrano Ganchozo, L. A., & Bravo Zamora, R. (2026). Biostimulant potential of microalgae in hydroponic agriculture in arid and semi-arid areas. Ciencia Digital, 10(2), 219 - 238. https://doi.org/10.33262/cienciadigital.v10i2.3686
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