Soil Algae: Morphology, Ecology and Biotechnological Applications

Description:

This book collates updated knowledge about algal species which are present in the terrestrial environment, particularly in soil. Contributions in this volume cover different topics such as morphology, ecology and applications of soil algae. Ecological significance of soil algae and their biotechnological importance are the key features of this book.

Algae are ubiquitous and occur in almost all terrestrial environments, and in soil, they mainly belong to the members of Chlorophycophyta, Cyanochloronta, Rhodophycophyta, Euglenophycophyta, and Chrysophycophyta. The role of soil algae as fertiliser and for reclaiming saline soil is well studied. Algae in soil benefit agricultural production, increase water retention capacity, reduce soil erosion, reduce nutrient runoff, and provide nutrients. The added algae increase soil biodiversity, organic biomass, and the total humus content of the soil, beneficial for healthy soil. These soil algae diversities also have many biotechnological and industrial applications.

This book is of interest and use to researchers of phycology, molecular biology, agriculture and biotechnology and also to scientists working on soil biology, agronomy and crop research. Also, the book serves as reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of microbiology, agriculture, molecular biology, and biotechnology. Researchers from biotechnological and biofertilizer companies will also find this to be a useful read.

* Covers updated knowledge on algal species present in soil

* Chapters focus on ecological significance and biotechnological importance of algae

* Discusses the morphology, ecology, and biotechnology of soil algae