In a pioneering study published in Scientific Reports, researchers unveiled a groundbreaking technology that enhances microbial nitrogen fixation and its transfer to cereal crops, promising to revolutionize nitrogen management in agriculture. The collaborative effort involved scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Purdue University, and sustainable agriculture leader Pivot Bio.
The study presents first-of-its-kind evidence showing how gene-editing techniques improve the functionality of diazotrophs—bacteria that naturally convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants. By overcoming the limitations of conventional biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), this innovation could reduce reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, cutting costs for farmers and mitigating environmental impacts.
Unveiling the Mechanism
Using isotopically labeled nitrogen, researchers tracked nitrogen from the air to the chlorophyll of corn leaves, confirming that gene-edited microbes delivered atmospheric nitrogen directly to the plants. Field trials demonstrated that these microbes could replace up to 40 pounds of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer per acre, yielding similar productivity levels.
“This approach redefines nitrogen management,” explained Dr. Jean-Michel Ané, co-author of the study and professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “By gene-editing diazotrophs, we can ensure they continue fixing nitrogen even in high-nitrogen environments, overcoming evolutionary limitations.”
Sustainable Farming in Action
The research tested Pivot Bio’s PROVEN® 40, a second-generation nitrogen-fixing microbial product. Results showed that plants treated with PROVEN® 40 not only received sufficient nitrogen but also maintained or improved yields despite reduced synthetic fertilizer use. The microbes, equipped with non-transgenic gene edits, ensure continuous nitrogen fixation by “blinding” them to surrounding nitrogen levels and optimizing nitrogen transfer to crops.
Also read: Pivot Bio to Launch Eco-Friendly Nitrogen Technology in Brazil
“This innovation represents a significant step toward sustainable agriculture,” said Dr. Karsten Temme, Pivot Bio’s chief innovation officer and co-author. “Farmers can reduce synthetic fertilizer usage without compromising yields, benefiting both the environment and their bottom line.”
Environmental and Economic Impacts
Traditional nitrogen fertilizers, while pivotal in modern agriculture, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient runoff. The new technology offers a solution to these issues by reducing synthetic nitrogen dependency.
“This could be a game-changer,” noted Dr. Bruno Basso, an environmental science professor at Michigan State University. “Replacing synthetic nitrogen with sustainable alternatives reduces pollution, enhances crop efficiency, and benefits the agricultural carbon footprint.”
Since its commercial launch, Pivot Bio’s nitrogen-fixing products have been applied to over 13 million acres in the U.S., signaling the scalability and potential global impact of this innovation.
The Future of Nitrogen Management
As the world grapples with the challenges of feeding a growing population sustainably, advancements like this hold transformative potential. “Our focus is on improving nitrogen efficiency,” said Dr. Temme, “ensuring agriculture can meet future food demands with minimal environmental costs.”
The full study is accessible in Scientific Reports, an esteemed open-access journal under the Nature Portfolio known for its rigorous peer-review standards.
While the technology has already made strides in the U.S., researchers are actively working to expand its application to a wider range of crops and diverse growing conditions worldwide. Current efforts are focused on optimizing the gene-edited microbes for staple cereals such as rice, wheat, and sorghum, which are critical to food security in regions heavily reliant on synthetic fertilizers. Additionally, the adaptability of this innovation to various climatic and soil conditions is being explored to ensure its effectiveness across different agricultural landscapes.
By enabling farmers in developing regions to reduce their dependency on costly synthetic fertilizers, the technology has the potential to support more sustainable farming practices and enhance food production equity. These advancements underscore the broader vision of aligning agricultural productivity with ecological sustainability to meet future food demands responsibly.
