"NL: "Just like people, plants need healthy food"

Will algae be the new green gold? According to sustainable entrepreneur Ad van Vugt the answer is yes. With his company Algae Innovations Netherlands BV he, together with the University of Amsterdam, has started research into the application of algae: "We knew that our algae did something good for the growth of plants, but now we also know why".

Various studies show that there are exciting opportunities for the use of microalgae in agriculture and horticulture. Think about crop protection, fertilization, soil improvement and plant stimulation or a combination thereof. But according to Ad it was not clear whether all algae have a positive influence on plant growth "This requires further research. It is not only about what is in the algae itself, but also whatever it is that they activate in the soil".

The research of Algae Innovations focuses on two questions: why do the algae of Algae Innovations have a positive effect on plant growth and are they still effective when dried? The algae are produced at a test site in Rijsenhout: water basins of almost 300,000 liters were installed in an empty greenhouse. The algae grow luxuriantly in the warm and light greenhouse. Ad: "Algae need little to grow, only sunlight and water".

Meanwhile, also a second basin has been installed. In Rijsenhout there is also an innovative installation in operation for the drying of algae, because in dry form they have a longer storage life and are easier to transport.

At Proeftuin Zwaagdijk the algae from Rijsenhout have been tested on different plants. Ad: "With eight different crops it has been established that they are more vital, healthier and bear more fruit when our algae are used". The research shows that there are 40 different elements in the algae, nutrients that directly affect the soil, soil life and plant growth. "Just like people, plants need healthy food. With these algae we have a complete nutrient available".

The next step is scaling up the research and in the future to apply for a patent for the breeding process. "There are many people in the market who want to do something with algae. But with this research we have substantiated it scientifically: our algae work!"

Now the algae in the Netherlands are only used for agriculture and horticulture. But Ad sees even more opportunities for algae: "In Germany there are already algae-based chips and biscuits and algae are used in meat substitutes. I am convinced that in the future algae will also become a full-fledged food for people".