Research advances in using seaweed fertilizers to mitigate plant water stress.

Abstract

Water stress has a profound and widespread impacts on agriculture globally, leading to slower plant growth, lower yields, and poorer quality. To meet this challenge, the application of seaweed fertilizer came into being. Seaweed fertilizer is rich in polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, plant hormones, minerals, and various other bioactive components, with great potential in water retention and nutrient provision. We systematically summarized the latest research progress on the role of seaweed fertilizers in mitigating water stress, with a focus on elucidating the mechanisms by which seaweed fertilizer enhances stress tolerance of plants. It significantly improves plant growth and yield, promotes root growth and nutrient uptake, ameliorates soil conditions, and enhances plant resis-tance to stress. Additionally, we put forward the challenges associated with the practical application of seaweed fertilizers in agriculture and the future research directions, aiming to provide alternative solutions for the sustainable goals and healthy development of global agriculture.