Future Scope and Conclusion

Widespread application of phosphorus rich fertilizers aiming higher agricultural productivities have resulted in higher P loses and subsequent enrichment in surface and ground waters. This necessitates for an efficient alternative to P rich inorganic fertilizers and at the same time, facilitate provisions for the greater immobilization of P in soil systems to abate such loses and evade the resulting environmental externalities. Algal cultivations through pond systems are becoming prevalent for both nutrient remediation and biomass production. Use of wastewater-grown algae and algal biomass addition for improvement of soil nutrient conditions coupled with facilitating higher soil carbon amendments is an attractive option and ensures

greater fertilization with minimal losses linked with leaching and runoff. The har- vested algal biomass takes less than one-tenth of the area to capture P compared to agricultural crops and grass species. With the help of algal species having high cel- lular P content, the area required for capturing P can be even further reduced. More research efforts on ground with full-flagged algal bio-refineries can aid in better understanding of phosphorus dynamics and identify crucial pathways for capturing P. Focus on (a) maximize algal P content (b) increase algal productivity (c) newer and cheaper methods of harvesting algae and (d) understanding algal phosphorus mobilization, mineralization and consequent assimilations by agricultural crops will pave path for sustainable agricultural economy