Soil salinity, which affects plant photosynthesis mechanisms, significantly limits plant productivity. Soil microorganisms, including cyanobacteria, can synthesize various exometabolites that contribute to plant growth and development in several ways. These microorganisms can increase plant tolerance to salt stress by secreting various phytoprotectants; therefore, it is highly relevant to study soil microorganisms adapted to high salinity and investigate their potential to increase plant resistance to salt stress. This study evaluated the antioxidant activity of four cyanobacterial strains: Spirulina platensis Calu-532, Nostoc sp. J-14, Trichormus variabilis K-31, and Oscillatoria brevis SH-12. Among these, Nostoc sp. J-14 presented the highest antioxidant activity. Their growth-stimulating effects under saline conditions were also assessed under laboratory conditions. These results indicate that Nostoc sp. J-14 and T. variabilis K-31 show significant promise in mitigating the harmful effects of salinity on plant size and weight. Both strains notably enhanced the growth of Oryza sativa plants under saline conditions, suggesting their potential as biostimulants to improve crop productivity in saline environments. This research underscores the importance of understanding the mechanisms by which cyanobacteria increase plant tolerance to salt stress, paving the way for sustainable agricultural practices in saline areas.

The development and implementation of microbial consortium-based biofertilizers represent a promising direction in sustainable agriculture, particularly in the context of the ongoing global ecological and agricultural crisis. This article examines the agroecological and economic impacts of applying microbial consortiums and explores the mechanisms of technology transfer using the example of two countries with differing levels of scientific and technological advancement–China and Kazakhstan. The analysis of the Chinese experience reveals that the successful integration of microbial biofertilizers into agricultural practice is made possible by a well-established institutional framework that includes strong governmental support for R&D, a robust scientific infrastructure, and effective coordination with the private sector. In contrast, Kazakhstan, despite its favorable agroecological conditions and growing interest among farmers in environmentally friendly technologies, faces several challenges from limited funding to a fragmented technology transfer system. The comparative study demonstrates that adapting Chinese models requires consideration of local specificities and the strengthening of intergovernmental cooperation. The article concludes by emphasizing the need to establish a multi-level innovation ecosystem encompassing the entire cycle of development and deployment of microbial biofertilizers, as a prerequisite for improving agricultural productivity and ensuring food security in countries at different stages of economic development.

Microalgae have gained popularity over the century due to their numerous intrinsic properties superior to higher plants, making them a potential target and feedstock for the development of biotechnological products in various fields. The storage of carbohydrates within microalgae cells positions them as a promising reservoir for biofuel production and a range of other valuable bioproducts, encompassing biological compounds, nutritional supplements, and more. Key determinants influencing microalgae carbohydrate levels comprise nutrient availability, light intensity, temperature, and CO₂ concentrations. In this context, the CO₂ concentration plays a key role, as it is one of the main factors influencing the photosynthetic processes. This study aimed to explore the impact of different CO₂ concentrations on the carbohydrate profile of biomass sourced from Chlorella vulgaris sp. BB-2 and Scenedesmus quadicauda B-1. The findings revealed that a CO₂ concentration of 2% v/v notably enhanced carbohydrate accumulation, reaching 75.5% for Chlorella vulgaris sp. BB-2 and 72.0% for Scenedesmus quadicauda B-1.