No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta Rican Scientists Cut Microalgae Farming Costs by 95%

Costa Rican Scientists Cut Microalgae Farming Costs by 95%

A team led by Costa Rican biologist Maritza Guerrero has developed a natural biostimulant using microalgae that promises to revolutionize agriculture. The product, named Phyco-Plus, enhances crop productivity, regenerates degraded soils, captures carbon dioxide, oxygenates soil, and purifies water.

This innovation positions Costa Rica at the forefront of nature-based solutions for global agricultural and environmental challenges. Microalgae are unicellular aquatic microorganisms that perform photosynthesis and produce valuable biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and pigments.

In ecosystems, they contribute to oxygen production, carbon sequestration, and the stimulation of plant growth regulators. These properties make them powerful agents for sustainable farming practices.

Despite their promise, microalgae use in agriculture has been limited by high cultivation and processing costs. Guerrero, who holds a master’s degree in biology from the University of Costa Rica (UCR), took on the challenge of making microalgae-based products affordable and accessible for local producers.

Guerrero began her research 18 years ago at the Tecnológico de Costa Rica (TEC). Even before the completion of the Biotechnology Research Center, she had already installed tanks for algae cultivation. Her team, which includes scientists trained at UCR and TEC, succeeded in reducing production costs by 95% compared to similar developments in wealthier countries.

With support from TEC and a $200,000 grant from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Phyco-Plus project became a reality. Guerrero now leads Algabiotica, a biotechnology company dedicated to producing the biostimulant and developing other microalgae-based products.

The microalgae used in Phyco-Plus are cultivated in Barva de Heredia, in ponds measuring 20 by 5 meters with a capacity of up to 40,000 liters. After centrifugation and harvesting, the final product is bottled and ready for field application.

When applied to crops, Phyco-Plus promotes soil microbiota regeneration, enhances carbohydrate and phytohormone production, and helps plants manage abiotic stress. These effects translate to stronger, healthier plants and more sustainable agricultural practices.

Guerrero believes this innovation can reshape farming mindsets. “Microalgae could boost agriculture and transform farmers’ mindsets, encouraging them to use microorganism-based products. It’s about improving food quality, human quality, and water quality,” she explained.

Farmers have already observed the difference. Agricultural producer Jacob Ramírez shared his experience.

“You’ll see that the plant is taller than the others. Potatoes and onions develop more quickly with the algae. With larger leaves, the plant can carry out more photosynthesis and absorb more nutrients.”

Trending Now

4,500 US Marines Launch Anti-Drug Operation in Latin America Waters

In a significant escalation of efforts to counter organized crime and drug trafficking networks, the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has deployed more than 4,500...

The Most Clueless Gringo in Costa Rica: A Satirical Take on Expat Life

If part of your online day includes mindless scrolling through reels, you’ve probably seen the Dos Equis beer parody commercials. The original ads featured the...

FBI Recordings Reveal Costa Rica Ex-Minister Celso Gamboa’s Drug Ties

Costa Rican authorities continue to hold former security minister Celso Gamboa in custody as U.S. officials push for his extradition on drug charges. Recent...

End of Air Canada Strike Brings Relief for Costa Rica-Bound Passengers

Air Canada flight attendants ended their strike Tuesday after reaching a tentative agreement with the airline, paving the way for flights to resume gradually....

Costa Rica Replaces One-Lane Bridges as Traffic and Population Grow

As the infrastructure of Costa Rica advances, with new four-lane highways and a series of bypasses around San José that avoid the narrow, congested...

President Chaves Downplays Costa Rica’s Security Crisis Amid Record Homicides

President Rodrigo Chaves brushed off concerns about Costa Rica's surging violence during his Wednesday press conference, insisting the security situation "is not as serious"...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica