Cyanobacteria: A Potential Microalgae for Climate Smart Rice Cultivation

Abstract

Soil carbon sequestration is a significant strategy for lowering atmospheric CO₂ emissions and mitigating negative environmental effects. The use of Cyanobacterial or Blue Green Algal systems (BGA) for long-term sequestration of CO₂ is a promising solution to reduce the CO₂ content in atmosphere. Cyanobacteria are suitable candidates in carbon sequestration as they are easier to grow in paddy fields. Understanding the process of organic and inorganic carbon sequestration mediated by Cyanobacteria and the possibility of controlling these processes are necessary to develop a technology for CO₂ sequestration in rice soils. Rice cultivation with Cyanobacterial biofertilization could also reduce the carbon footprint by reducing fertilizer requirement and carbon enrichment as mineral carbonates. Their potential for carbon sequestration and enhancement of grain yield could be explored for climate smart adaptation in cultivation of rice.