#USA #Pivot Bio #Nitrogen Fixation #Scientific Reports #Berkeley, California

Through gene editing, we are applying a method to prevent microbes from sensing the presence of nitrogen around them. This forces them to keep fixing ammonia and delivering it directly to the crops’ root systems,” explains Dr. Karsten Temme, Director of Innovation at Pivot Bio.

The study showcases that this novel method not only holds up in controlled lab settings but also thrives in field trials. It highlights the commercial product PROVEN® 40, a second-generation nitrogen-fixing microbe offered by Pivot Bio for corn crops. The results suggest that farmers can maintain crop yields while significantly decreasing their synthetic nitrogen fertilizer usage, with field studies showing a reduction of 35-40 pounds of synthetic nitrogen per acre.

This research not only lays the groundwork for future agricultural practices but also holds promise for reducing environmental degradation. As synthetic fertilizers contribute to nutrient leaching into waterways and the emission of greenhouse gases, Pivot Bio’s advancements aim to shift the paradigm towards a more sustainable farming methodology.

Furthermore, the study offers concrete evidence that farmer-adopted methods with PROVEN 40 lead to enhanced nitrogen levels in crops at the start of the season. Although less synthetic fertilizer was applied, yields remained unaffected, supporting the methodology's practical application in real-world farming scenarios.

Dr. Jean-Michel Ané articulates the significance of tracking nitrogen transfer processes: “Nitrogen is complex to monitor, as it moves from the atmosphere to microbes and then to plants. We focus on the variations in isotopic signatures of nitrogen to ascertain the sources of nitrogen in crops.” This meticulous methodology confirms the transport of nitrogen from the edited microbes to corn leaves, simplifying farmers' nitrogen management strategies.

As demonstrated in this detailed research, the belief is that farmers will increasingly reduce their nitrogen fertilizer usage without sacrificing crop yields. Such a transformation is advantageous not only for agricultural stakeholders but also beneficial for ecological systems.

The ambition of Pivot Bio is to challenge the conventional agricultural framework by improving nutrient efficiency while simultaneously promoting a sustainable approach to maximize productivity. The expansive impact of these developments has been noted, as the company’s products have already been utilized on more than 13 million acres in the U.S. since entering the market five years ago, showcasing clear tangible results.

If this technology progresses and further showcases its ability to deliver nitrogen while reducing environmental pollution, a fundamental shift in nitrogen management practices could ensue. The more we can pivot from synthetic fertilizers to eco-efficient nitrogen sources, the better it will be for farmers, their communities, and the planet.

The full article detailing these significant findings can be accessed in Scientific Reports, which serves as a platform for notable original studies across the natural and clinical sciences since its establishment in 2011.

About Pivot Bio

Pivot Bio stands at the forefront of sustainable agriculture, offering patented crop nutrition technologies that harness the power of nature for reliable, productive food growing in a volatile environment. Their innovative nitrogen solutions are poised to redefine modern farming practices, fortifying the agricultural sector against emerging challenges. For more about Pivot Bio, visit PivotBio.com.