Brazilian scientists have unveiled promising research showing that microalgae-based biostimulants may significantly improve crop development while reducing dependence on synthetic agricultural inputs. The study, published on July 21, 2026, by researchers from the University of Passo Fundo (UPF), evaluated extracts from Spirulina platensis and found substantial gains in soybean, wheat, and oat performance. The findings are particularly relevant as global agriculture faces mounting pressure to increase food production while addressing environmental concerns, soil degradation, and climate-related challenges affecting agricultural value chains worldwide.

A New Generation of Seed Treatments

The research focused on unlocking bioactive compounds naturally present in Spirulina platensis, including amino acids, phytohormones, micronutrients, and exopolysaccharides. Scientists compared several extraction methods and found that ultrasonic extraction technology delivered superior nutrient recovery, allowing these compounds to become more available for agricultural use. Unlike traditional fertilizers that mainly provide nutrients, microalgae extracts act as physiological regulators, stimulating plant growth and strengthening natural defense mechanisms.

Bioinputs

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Laboratory trials delivered notable results. Wheat treated with the ultrasonic extract recorded an increase of up to 6.8% in emergence speed, while soybean root dry biomass improved by as much as 26.9% during early developmental stages. Stronger root systems are considered critical for enhancing nutrient uptake, water-use efficiency, and resilience under adverse environmental conditions.

Field Results Point to Major Economic Potential

Field experiments further reinforced the potential of this biotechnology. Treatments incorporating Spirulina extracts produced plants up to 12% taller and increased shoot dry mass by as much as 32% compared with conventional chemical treatments alone. One of the study's most significant findings was a 50% increase in soybean nodulation, a key process in biological nitrogen fixation that directly influences crop nutrition and productivity.

Importantly, researchers found no negative interactions between the microalgae extracts and existing chemical or biological seed treatment protocols. This compatibility could allow agricultural input companies and producers to integrate the technology into current farming systems without major operational changes, facilitating a smoother transition toward more sustainable production models.

Sustainability and Competitive Advantages

As international markets increasingly demand sustainable production practices, traceability, and lower environmental footprints, microalgal biostimulants may become a strategic tool for farmers and agribusinesses. Beyond improving yields, the technology could contribute to healthier soil ecosystems, reduced dependency on synthetic fertilizers, and enhanced resilience against climate variability.

For Latin America, one of the world's leading suppliers of agricultural commodities, innovations such as these may provide an important competitive advantage in global markets. The development of bio-based agricultural inputs also aligns with broader trends in agricultural digitalization, biotechnology, and sustainable intensification promoted by international organizations and increasingly valued by consumers.

The Future of Agricultural Bioinputs

The study, conducted as part of doctoral research by Julia Braun at the University of Passo Fundo, highlights the growing role of biotechnology in shaping the future of agriculture. Researchers believe that shifting the focus from simply supplying nutrients toward regulating plant physiology and improving stress tolerance could redefine crop management strategies in the coming decades.

If successfully scaled to commercial production, Spirulina platensis may emerge as one of the most promising biostimulants of the next generation, offering farmers a sustainable pathway to achieve higher productivity, healthier soils, and stronger environmental performance in an increasingly demanding global agricultural landscape.