OG BIO_MARTERRA: Effect of Applying Algae-Based Biostimulants on Abiotic and Biotic Stresses in Native Varieties of Vegetables, Potatoes, and Vineyards 

The challenges associated with sustainable agricultural production and climate change mitigation require innovative solutions to ensure food supply for a growing population. For this reason, the BIO_MARTERRA project focuses on demonstrating that biostimulants made from marine algae can improve sustainability and resilience in agriculture. 

The BIO_MARTERRA Operational Group’s main objective is to demonstrate the beneficial effects of biostimulants made from marine algae from the Galician coast under abiotic stresses, such as high temperatures or drought, and biotic stresses, such as attacks by pathogenic fungi. This project aims to: 

• Utilize by-products and valorize marine algae by using discards as raw materials. 

• Increase agronomic and economic yield through different biostimulants that promote the sustainability and competitiveness of the sector. 

• Contribute to generating a positive environmental impact by reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and thereby reducing soil and water pollution, protecting biodiversity and human health. 

• Foster synergy among experts, enabling effective knowledge and results transfer between industry, research centers, and farmers. 

Potential expected results of this project include: 

• Offering farmers a line of organic biostimulants made from marine algae extracts that promote crop development and strengthen plants against current and future abiotic and biotic stresses. 

• Providing farmers with necessary information on the application methods of algae-extract biostimulants in different vegetable, potato, and vineyard crops, emphasizing the benefits they bring. 

• Reducing by-products generated in marine algae activities by valorizing discards and species that are not currently commercialized for extract production. 

• Reducing the use of non-natural agricultural inputs in various crops without affecting the final product quality. 

Consult the project information brochure in: Spanish / English 

Check the project activities in: Spanish / English 

This project is funded by grants for the implementation of innovative projects from Operational Groups of the European Innovation Partnership (EIP), co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) under the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan (CAP SP) 2023-2027. The Galician Ministry of Rural Affairs is the administrative body responsible for proposing and executing general guidelines in rural areas, encompassing agriculture, livestock, rural development and territorial planning, rural structures, agri-food and forestry industries, forests, and wildfire prevention and defense.
Budget: €179,634.83

The project team is multidisciplinary and consists of PORTOMUIÑOS SL, Fundación Empresa Universidad Gallega (FEUGA), the VIOR research group from the Misión Biolóxica de Galicia (MBG-CSIC), the Waste Management and Fertilization Unit of the Agronomy group at the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), and Avelino Santana García. Cooperating entities include the Mabegondo Agricultural Research Center (CIAM-Agacal) and Horta da Lousa.