A new project, Biofilm Biofertiliser, is said to offer a sustainable nutrient management solution that could reduce the use of synthetic fertilisers by up to 50%.
The project will use a consortium of UK indigenous biofilm-forming plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), which will reportedly improve soil quality and crop health, resulting in increased yields.
Funding from Innovate UK has supported the project, with a consortium of companies involved, including lead partner, Bionema Group; CPI; and the UK Agri-Tech Centre.
Three UK growers in the agricultural and horticultural sectors will be provided with the solution for trials. The partners also highlight that the product will be produced and manufactured in the UK, further reducing the reliance on imported nutrition.
The project plan
Partners will focus on developing and validating formulations for the bacteria, with a focus on water-dispersible granules (WDG) and encapsulated options.
Evaluations will include measuring seed germination, plant biomass, nutrient uptake, soil microbial activity and plant stress tolerance.
Later testing will look at spray characteristics, droplet size and deposition on leaves. Field trials will also be conducted for nutrient management, efficacy and phytotoxicity.
Initial crops will include strawberries, potatoes, wheat and ornamentals.
Dr Minshad Ansari, CEO and founder of Bionema Group, said: “The Biofilm Biofertiliser project represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.
“By integrating cutting-edge biofilm technology with UK-specific microbial solutions, we empower farmers and growers to reduce their reliance on synthetic fertilisers while enhancing soil health and crop productivity.
“At Bionema, we drive innovation in biocontrol and biofertilisers, ensuring that sustainable farming solutions are effective and economically viable for growers.
“This collaboration, supported by Innovate UK, brings together the expertise needed to transform nutrient management and set new standards for environmentally responsible agriculture.”
Richard Glass, innovation lead at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “This project will provide critical support to farmers aiming to increase both the economic and environmental sustainability of crop production by reducing reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertiliser.
“This would allow a reduction in the cost of crop inputs in addition to reducing the carbon footprint of the cropping system.
“There are added benefits with reduced field emission of GHG associated with synthetic fertiliser and improved soil health.”