Updates on Chlorella experiments

Mar 11, 2020

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Updates on Chlorella experimentsI am developing the Chlorella cultures and planning a meeting with my committee members to start planting next month. We will determine Chlorella concentrations using spectrometry and will plant radishes and rye next month. These plants are often used in bioassays to determine appropriate concentrations of substances for plant growth. 

jagmohande, Keith, and 1 other like this.

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Nicole K. Johnson, M.S.Backer

This is such an interesting project! I grew up on a farm in South Dakota. My mother and brother still farm, and they are continuously trying to change their methods to improve the soil and crop yields. For instance, over 5 years ago, my brother started using peas and soybeans (typically not grown in NW South Dakota) as rotation crops. Food insecurity is also an interest of mine, as I currently reside in Chicago and research eating disorders, which have recently been linked to food insecurity. I'm excited to see the results!!

Mar 13, 20200

About This Project

Can Chlorella algae be used as soil amendment to improve crop production?

University of South Carolina

Food insecurity is a severe global problem in both developed and developing nations. Soil degradation due to misuse of chemical fertilizer hampers adequate food production. The purpose of the proposed research is to determine if and how Chlorella vulgaris, a potential soil amendment, impacts growth, shelf life, and nutrition of crops. It is hypothesized that tomatoes and kale grown with the algae display improved growth, shelf life, and nutrient value compared to controls.