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Bacteria: The New Protagonists of Agriculture in Andalusia


September 1, 2011

Source: Patricia Ortiz Caro / Program for the Training of Knowledge Dissemination Monitors

The agricultural sector is a cornerstone of the economy in Andalusia, making it essential to implement R&D projects that improve current methods and systems. This philosophy is the driving force behind the NNTT-Abioagrin project, aimed at developing new technologies to enhance sustainable agricultural production.

Representatives from all the companies that make up the consortium to develop the project

Harnessing Microorganisms for Sustainable Agriculture

The NNTT-Abioagrin project focuses on the selection and application of natural, non-genetically modified microorganisms, which are isolated from Andalusian crops. These microorganisms are used to produce bio-compost, bio-fertilizers, biocontrol agents for diseases (fungal, bacterial, and pests), and to combine traditional chemical fertilizers with beneficial microorganisms. According to Manuel Megías, President of ResBioAgro and Professor of Microbiology at the University of Seville, this integrated approach "can lead to more efficient uptake of chemical fertilizers by plants and minimize environmental impact." Khalid Akdi, the project's technical director and R&D Director at AMC Chemical, adds, "The true innovation of the project lies in the design of microorganism application systems, which will ensure their efficacy."

The Origins of NNTT-Abioagrin

The project was initiated by the University of Seville, where a research group was established in 1988 through the collaboration of the Microbiology departments of the Faculties of Pharmacy and Biology. The idea gained momentum in 2009, when the first meetings took place at the Andalusian Technological Corporation (CTA), bringing together around thirty companies to form a consortium dedicated to reducing the rational use of chemical inputs in agriculture. Since its inception, the project has been supported by four key partners: Fundación Caja Rural del Sur, AMC Chemical, AGQ Labs, and the spin-off ResBioAgro, which emerged from the Renupia project (Nutritional Resources for Integrated Rice Production), funded by CTA and the Innovation and Development Agency of Andalusia (IDEA).

As the project progressed, Biomasa Peninsular, Fertiberia, and SAT Grufesa joined the consortium. The research is further supported by entities such as the Universities of Seville and Córdoba, the Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology (CSIC), the Center for Agro-Food Innovation and Technology (Citagro), and the Andalusian Committee of Organic Agriculture (CAAE). The consortium's goal is to develop environmentally-friendly alternatives while focusing on crops of high economic and social importance for Andalusia, including horticultural crops, olive, maize, rice, and berries.

Breaking Down the Project Activities

The project consists of six main activities, with each partner responsible for specific tasks:

  1. Isolation of Microorganisms: Identifying and cultivating beneficial microbes from local environments.
  2. Production of Bio-Compost: Transforming agricultural waste into organic fertilizers.
  3. Development of Bio-Agro Inputs: Creating biofertilizers and biopesticides that are effective and eco-friendly.
  4. Design of Suction Probe Systems: Innovating application systems for microbial inoculants.
  5. Environmental Impact Studies: Assessing how the new methods affect the ecosystem.
  6. Application of Products: Testing and implementing bio-products in field trials.

Towards a Rational Use of Phytosanitary Products

A critical aspect of the NNTT-Abioagrin project, highlighted by Khalid Akdi, is the re-evaluation of agricultural use of phytosanitary products, such as synthetic pesticides, which pose economic and environmental challenges. For example, soil disinfection, a vital practice especially for growing horticultural crops and strawberries, traditionally involves the use of chemical biocides and fumigants. Many of these chemical treatments are no longer available due to their toxicity. In fact, in 1991, the EU authorized the use of only 26% of common phytosanitary products in European agriculture under Directive 91/414/EEC. Later, Regulation (EC) 1107/2009 in 2009 turned these restrictions into binding law for all member states.

Harnessing the Power of Rhizobia and Microbial Inoculants

Manuel Megías, Professor of Microbiology at the University of Seville and Chairman of the Board of ResBioAgro, explains, "For example, leguminous plants have nitrogen-fixing organs that house bacteria called rhizobia, which capture nitrogen, an essential nutrient for plant development. Only microorganisms can perform this function." Thus, isolating and utilizing these bacteria to support crop growth allows for reduced use of agrochemicals and a shift towards "typical biological processes." For over a decade, experts have been collaborating with the rice sector in Seville province. "We aim to find beneficial microorganisms in the marshlands, develop them, and use them to increase crop yields." This idea led to the Renupia project, which eventually gave rise to ResBioAgro through technology transfer.

"When applying fertilizers to soil, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium, about 50% is lost. From what remains, the plant uses only 30-40%. The goal is to cut chemical inputs by half, adding microorganisms that help plants absorb nutrients more efficiently and reducing environmental contamination by more than 50%," explains Professor Megías. Another advantage of using bacteria is their ability to facilitate the uptake of chemical fertilizers by plants.

Vegetable-Based Bio-Compost

The project also aims to "add value to the large quantities of waste generated by crops (olive, horticultural, maize, rice, and berries) by transforming it into vegetable biomass compost (organic fertilizer) to reduce the use of nitrogen fertilizers," says Akdi. "In this way, plant waste can be applied as organic matter back to the same crops that produce it, promoting a sustainable agricultural system." Currently, crop residues are often burned or buried, which has significant environmental impacts. "This organic matter is valuable due to its carbon-nitrogen ratio," emphasizes Megías, "but it has a problem: it is low in nitrogen and high in carbon, so we need to increase nitrogen and phosphorus levels by applying microorganisms that accelerate composting and raise the concentration of these essential nutrients." Furthermore, this bio-compost will be returned to the source crops. "For example, strawberry waste will be used in strawberry fields, and similarly for other Andalusian crops," notes the professor and founder of ResBioAgro.

Producing vegetable bio-compost would lead to job creation and local wealth generation through the establishment of local processing plants for plant waste. Microorganisms will also be added to this waste, accelerating composting and increasing the nitrogen and phosphorus levels needed for crops to thrive.

Towards Sustainable Agriculture

"The need to increase productivity and ensure food supply security has boosted the potential use of biologically derived compounds in agriculture," asserts Akdi, and this is the focus they aim to expand. The goal is to establish sustainable agriculture, which requires rational use of chemical inputs (fertilizers, fertilizers, pesticides, etc.) and effective disease and pest control while achieving acceptable increases in crop yields and socio-economic benefits.

The NNTT Abioagrin project has a budget of €2,732,807, spanning three years (2010-2013) and is 75% funded by the Center for Industrial Technological Development (CDTI).

By pioneering sustainable agricultural practices through innovative biotechnological solutions, NNTT-Abioagrin is paving the way for a greener, more productive future in Andalusia.