A groundbreaking £670,000 research project is set to revolutionise farming sustainability and tackle soil degradation through cutting-edge microbial technology. The Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC) and the University of York have joined forces with agricultural technology startup CroBio to enhance a pioneering living soil amendment. This initiative, funded by Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme and supported by Innovate UK, aims to improve nutrient preservation, water retention, and carbon sequestration in agricultural soil.
The collaboration focuses on CroBio’s innovative technology, which introduces water-retaining microbes to plant roots. Initial trials have yielded promising results, including a 100% improvement in water retention in sandy soil under greenhouse conditions. This technology could be a game-changer for UK farmers grappling with soil degradation, water scarcity, and the environmental impact of chemical fertilisers.
Dr Daniel J Upton, senior scientist at CroBio, highlighted the significance of the project: “This collaboration addresses key challenges facing agriculture. Our technology has the potential to provide farmers with a cost-effective solution for water and nutrient management in agricultural soils and decrease dependency on fertilisers. This project will support the development of solutions that have benefits for both agriculture and the environment with applicability across widespread territories.”
The BDC will play a crucial role in scaling up this innovative technology. Deborah Rathbone, bioscience innovation team leader at the BDC, explained: “The BDC is excited to partner with CroBio in scaling up this innovative technology. As well as providing project management, we’ll be developing the technology for glasshouse and field trials to validate its effectiveness in real-world conditions. By combining our expertise in bio-based applications with CroBio’s pioneering approach to soil health, we’re working to address some of the most pressing challenges in modern agriculture.”
With growing concerns over soil health and sustainability, this project offers a beacon of hope for farmers seeking to enhance productivity while minimising their environmental impact. The collaboration between the BDC, the University of York, and CroBio represents a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable agricultural practices.
