Economic Potential of Algae Biostimulant for Sustainable Agriculture in the Baltic Sea Region: Impact of Furcellaria lumbricalis Digestate Extract on Basil Growth Promotion

The development of sustainable agriculture is critical in order to address the growing challenges of global food security while reducing environmental impact. This study focuses on the potential of Furcellaria lumbricalis, red algae found in the Baltic Sea, that can serve as a source of biostimulant. The research methodology included several consecutive steps combining qualitative and quantitative research methods: (1) an analysis of secondary data and literature review; (2) the production of algae digestate by anaerobic fermentation; (3) supervised laboratory experiments; (4) economic analysis; and (5) an assessment of the availability and prospects for use of algae biomass in the Baltic Sea region. The anaerobic fermentation process was used to produce algae digestate, the effectiveness of which was tested under controlled laboratory conditions. Experiments with basil (Ocimum basilicum) plants showed that 3% digestate concentrations significantly enhanced plant growth, increasing green mass by 52.7% to 85.4%. Economic analysis revealed the potential to increase gross profit for different crops in Latvian agriculture. The results indicate the potential of Furcellaria lumbricalis digestate as an effective and sustainable biostimulant that can contribute to the development of the green economy in the region. However, further research is needed to optimise production processes, explore long-term impacts on soil and ecosystems and conduct field trials on different crops under different climatic conditions. In addition, it is necessary to investigate precise mechanisms of action at the molecular level and develop standardised quality control processes for the production of biostimulants.