Current research: Securing yields at reduced fertiliser levels
In a project funded by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU), SEEDFORWARD is researching the possible reduction of nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers by means of innovative seed treatments. To this end, numerous field trials are being set up at various locations across Germany over several years and closely monitored and analysed. The aim is to ensure a high yield level with a 10 to 20 per cent reduction in N & P fertilisers.
The resource- and environmentally friendly use of fertilisers has been a bone of contention for years, not only within the European Union (EU), but also in Germany. As recently as July, the Federal Council rejected the amendments to the Fertiliser Act passed by the Federal Cabinet. A process developed by SEEDFORWARD and funded by the DBU with around 432,000 euros now promises relief for agriculture and the environment: a bio-based seed treatment in combination with microorganisms for less fertiliser use and more environmental protection.
"Unimagined potential not only in Germany"
"We were very impressed by the project," says DBU Secretary General Alexander Bonde. "It is highly innovative and extremely relevant in practice. Because it combines the goals of all those involved: consistent yields with reduced use of fertilisers without jeopardising food security. The method conserves water and soil - but also farmers' wallets because they have to use less fertiliser." Bonde continued: "The current field trials are very promising and can be an important step towards a sustainable and regenerative agricultural economy - with completely unimagined potential, and not just in Germany." The responsible officer Dr Susanne Wiese-Willmaring also sees "great future potential" in the SEEDFORWARD project, which started at the beginning of this year and will run until the end of 2026 with field trials at various locations in Germany. "The bio-based seed treatment improves root development and at the same time increases the nutrient utilisation of the plants," says Wiese-Willmaring. As a result, resistance to pathogens and deficiency symptoms is increased.
Minimise negative consequences for the ecosystem
SEEDFORWARD founder Jan Ritter, who together with Jacob P. Rohn is at the helm of the company, which was founded in 2017 and now has around two dozen employees, is optimistic: "With our products and active ingredients, we can substantially reduce the quantities of nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers used." And this is "urgently needed to minimise the negative consequences for the ecosystem. After all, an excess of nutrients not only has serious consequences for the soil, but also in the water: it leads to oxygen depletion, increased algae growth - and a loss of biodiversity." Waters such as the Dümmer in Lower Saxony "could eutrophicate".
"Highly complex cocktail of bio-based active ingredients"
According to Ritter, the SEEDFORWARD development consists of "applying biostimulants to the seeds to stimulate root growth. By increasing the root surface area, the plants can absorb more nutrients and therefore do not need to be fertilised as much. The current field trials are focussing on bread wheat, maize and rapeseed. In future, sugar beet, legumes and vegetables will also be considered. The bio-based coating of plant seeds is an alternative to the previous practice of dressing with chemical-synthetic active ingredients, which often has harmful consequences for nature and the environment, for example for insects. According to Ritter, the SEEDFORWARD process uses "a highly complex cocktail of bio-based active substances".
Use of free-living, nitrogen-fixing organisms
But that's not all. The SEEDFORWARD founder: "We also apply bacteria that have a positive effect on phosphate mobilisation." This is important, as phosphate is usually bound in the soil and is not available to plants as a nutrient to the desired extent. What's more: "We also use free-living, nitrogen-fixing organisms on leaves and soil," says Ritter. This also serves the goal of supplying the plants with additional nutrients - and thus minimising the use of fertilisers. Ritter: "For bread wheat, maize and rapeseed, an average of around 200 kilograms of nitrogen is currently applied per hectare across Germany. We want to achieve a saving of 10 to 20 per cent."
Over-fertilisation is a danger to humans, animals and the environment
Alongside phosphate, nitrogen and potassium are among the main nutrients for plants, ensuring their growth and ultimately determining the harvest yield. The problem: over-fertilisation has been occurring for years, not only in Germany but also in other EU countries. Brussels has therefore initiated several infringement proceedings against Berlin and others in recent years. If soils are over-fertilised, this has negative consequences for humans, animals and the environment: the excess nutrients can no longer be absorbed by the plants and leach not only into the groundwater, but also into rivers and oceans via surface run-off. Nitrate, which is often added as a mineral fertiliser, plays a significant role in connection with nitrogen fertilisation. If humans ingest too much nitrate through food and drinking water, there is a risk of it being converted into the carcinogenic nitrite.
Source: https://www.dbu.de/news/weniger-duenger-fuer-mehr-umweltschutz/ Online press release