Abstract
Successful algal biomass cultivation at scale is a key limiting step for the production of algal biofuels and other high-value products, and crop protection against undesirable biomass losses will be a critically important component of commercialization efforts. If algal biomass production occurs in large, open, outdoor ponds, then it can be expected that invasions of these production facilities by multiple species of algae, invertebrate herbivores, and pathogens will only be a matter of time. This review identifies and discusses key aspects of community and ecosystem ecology that have direct relevance to the successful cultivation of algal biomass. We use experiences and examples from commercial agriculture to illustrate core ecological principles of crop cultivation that we believe can successfully be transferred to large-scale algal biomass production. We then discuss the degree to which herbivores and disease can significantly reduce potential yields, and the concepts of biological control. We also discuss the effects of crop species diversity and composition on algal biomass production, and explore the potential benefits of algal polycultures in large-scale algal biomass cultivation systems.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
