Switch Bioworks tests bacteria to reduce fertilizer dependence

An American startup, Switch Bioworks, is testing genetically regulated bacteria designed to reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers. These microorganisms are engineered with a genetic switch that allows them to colonize plant roots and provide nitrogen directly to the plant.

Initial testing suggests this method could replace approximately 25 percent of fertilizer requirements, with the theoretical potential to reach 50 percent. This breakthrough addresses the high energy demands and environmental impact of synthetic fertilizer production, which is responsible for roughly 2 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. While experts note that synthetic fertilizers cannot be entirely replaced at this stage, the technology offers a potential solution to the economic and ecological pressures caused by volatile energy markets and the high costs of traditional agricultural inputs.