Diatoms and Sustainable Agriculture

This book highlights the multifaceted role of diatoms in revolutionizing agricultural practices towards sustainability. The introductory chapter examines the fundamental role of diatoms in fostering a circular economy within the agricultural sector, discussing the challenges and prospects associated with integrating diatoms into sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, it reviews the potential of diatoms as natural plant growth promoters, elucidating the mechanisms through which these microorganisms enhance crop productivity while reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The chapter also covers the pivotal role of diatoms in agricultural watersheds, serving as indicators of ecosystem health and guiding strategies for maintaining river integrity. Furthermore, the book introduces the potential of diatoms for agriculture wastewater bioremediation and applications of diatom frustules as biosensors for the early detection of plant pathogens. The subsequent chapters explore the current status and future prospects of diatoms as insect control agents, highlighting their potential as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional pesticides. Towards the end, the book delves into the intersection of artificial intelligence and diatom-microalgae-based agriculture. This book serves as an important source for researchers and academicians in Phycology, Biotechnology, and agricultural sciences. Key Features Provides a thorough exploration of the multifaceted role of diatoms in revolutionizing agricultural practices towards sustainability. Discusses the pivotal role of diatoms in agricultural watersheds and their applications in wastewater bioremediation. Explores the potential of diatoms as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional pesticides for insect control. Presents the role of diatoms as indicators of ecosystem health in agricultural watersheds. Delves into the intersection of artificial intelligence and diatom microalgae-based agriculture.