Phytoplankton vs Plankton: What’s the Difference?

The terms plankton and phytoplankton are often used interchangeably, but scientifically, they are not the same. Understanding the difference between phytoplankton vs plankton is important not only in marine biology, but also in agriculture, soil health, and sustainable growing practices.

In this article, we’ll clearly explain what each term means, how they differ, and why phytoplankton plays a unique role — including how this distinction is reflected in MARPHYL products.

---

What is the difference between phytoplankton and plankton?

Plankton refers to all microscopic organisms that drift in water and cannot swim against currents. This includes both plant-like and animal-like organisms.
Phytoplankton is a specific type of plankton that performs photosynthesis and acts as the primary producer in aquatic ecosystems.

In short: all phytoplankton are plankton, but not all plankton are phytoplankton.

---

What Is Plankton?

Plankton is a broad biological category rather than a single organism.

Key characteristics of plankton:

• Found in oceans, lakes, rivers, and freshwater systems

• Drift with currents rather than swimming actively

• Form the base of aquatic food webs

Main types of plankton:

• Phytoplankton – photosynthetic, plant-like organisms

• Zooplankton – animal-like organisms that feed on phytoplankton

Plankton as a whole supports nearly all aquatic life, but its members play very different roles depending on their biology.

---

What Is Phytoplankton?

Phytoplankton are microscopic photosynthetic organisms that use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and nutrients to produce energy — much like terrestrial plants.

Why phytoplankton is unique:

• Performs photosynthesis

• Produces roughly 50% of Earth’s oxygen

• Forms the base of aquatic food chains

• Absorbs carbon dioxide and helps regulate Earth’s climate

Major phytoplankton groups include:

• Diatoms

• Dinoflagellates

• Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)

---

Phytoplankton vs Plankton: Key Differences at a Glance

This distinction is critical when plankton-based materials are used outside marine ecosystems, such as in soil and plant nutrition.

---

Why Phytoplankton Matters Beyond the Ocean

Phytoplankton doesn’t just sustain marine life — it plays a central role in global biogeochemical cycles.

Phytoplankton contributes to:

• Carbon sequestration

• Nitrogen and phosphorus cycling

• Production of bioavailable trace minerals

• Stimulation of microbial ecosystems

These properties explain why phytoplankton is increasingly studied and applied in regenerative agriculture and soil enhancement.

---

Why the Difference Between Phytoplankton and Plankton Matters in Agriculture

In non-scientific contexts, “plankton” is often used loosely. However:

• Zooplankton does not photosynthesize

• Only phytoplankton contains naturally balanced, plant-accessible nutrients

• Phytoplankton supports soil microbes rather than bypassing them

Precision matters. Using the term phytoplankton signals a focus on biological function, not just origin.

---

How This Difference Is Reflected in MARPHYL Products

At MARPHYL, the distinction between phytoplankton vs plankton is fundamental.

MARPHYL products are derived from 100% marine phytoplankton, selected for its natural mineral composition and biological compatibility with soil ecosystems.

Marine phytoplankton naturally contains:

• Calcium

• Magnesium

• Trace minerals

• Organic carbon compounds

• Amino acids

Rather than acting as a synthetic fertilizer, MARPHYL works by:

• Supporting soil microbial life

• Improving nutrient availability

• Enhancing long-term soil structure and resilience

This mirrors phytoplankton’s role in nature:
supporting ecosystems from the bottom up, efficiently and sustainably.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Is phytoplankton the same as plankton?

No. Phytoplankton is a type of plankton, but plankton also includes animal-like organisms called zooplankton.

Why is phytoplankton important?

Phytoplankton produces about half of Earth’s oxygen, captures carbon dioxide, and forms the foundation of aquatic food chains.

Why is phytoplankton used in soil and plant products?

Because it contains naturally processed nutrients and organic compounds that support soil microbes and improve nutrient uptake.

Does MARPHYL use plankton or phytoplankton?

MARPHYL uses marine phytoplankton, not mixed plankton, ensuring biological consistency and nutrient availability.

---

Sources

https://www.britannica.com/science/plankton

https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/Phytoplankton

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.281.5374.200