Alginate as a Soil Conditioner: Properties, Mechanisms, and Agricultural Applications

Abstract

Soil plays a vital role in agriculture by providing essential nutrients, water, and support for crop growth. Therefore, the maintenance of healthy soil is imperative for the sustainability of agriculture and the assurance of food security. However, soil quality has been undermined by a range of factors, encompassing adverse environmental conditions, the impact of climate change, and inappropriate human activities. To address these issues, soil conditioners have been used to remedy soil quality. Alginate, a polysaccharide derived from brown algae, emerges as a promising soil conditioner due to its attributes of being biodegradable, non-toxic, cost-effective, easy to handle, and capable of forming gels with ease. When employed as soil conditioners, both alginate and its derivatives have demonstrated the capacity to enhance water retention in soil, augment nutrient availability, improve soil structure, and offer effective mulch films. This review aims to provide a comprehensive discussion on the utilization of alginate as a soil conditioner, covering alginate’s properties, mechanisms of action, and diverse applications to enhancing soil quality and agricultural productivity.