World-Changing Technology Enables Crops to Take Nitrogen from the Air Instead Of Fertilizers

August 21, 2013- A major new technology developed by The University of Nottingham allows crops to take nitrogen from the air rather than via expensive and environmentally damaging fertilizers.

Nitrogen fixation, the process by which nitrogen is converted to ammonia, is vital for plants to survive and grow. However, only a small number of plants, most notably legumes, have the ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere with the help of nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The vast majority have to obtain nitrogen from the soil. For many crops, this also requires synthetic nitrogen fertilizer.

Professor Edward Cocking, director of The University of Nottingham's Centre for Crop Nitrogen Fixation, has developed a method of putting nitrogen-fixing bacteria into the cells of plant roots. His breakthrough came when he found a specific strain of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in sugar cane, which he discovered could colonize all major crop plants. This ground-breaking development potentially provides every cell in the plant with the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. The implications for agriculture are enormous as the new technology -- known as “N-Fix” -- can provide much of a plant's nitrogen needs. 

Nitrate pollution is a major problem as is the pollution of the atmosphere by ammonia and oxides of nitrogen. Nitrate pollution causes oxygen-depleted “dead zones” in waterways and oceans. Professor Cocking has long recognized there is a critical need to reduce nitrogen pollution caused by nitrogen-based fertilizers. The N-Fix technology has been licensed by The University of Nottingham to Azotic Technologies to commercialize.

Peter Blezard, CEO of Azotic Technologies, said, "Agriculture has to change, and N-Fix can make a real and positive contribution to that change. It has enormous potential to help feed more people in many of the poorer parts of the world, while at the same time, dramatically reducing the amount of synthetic nitrogen produced in the world."

The proof of concept has been demonstrated. Azotic is now working on field trials, followed by seeking regulatory approval. To read more

Carnow Conibear and Associates is a demonstrated leader in the occupational and environmental health professions since 1975. To find out more, click here or call us at (800) 860-4486.