Turkish researchers develop bacteria to reduce fertilizer and water use

Researchers at Selçuk University in Konya have achieved positive results in a study aimed at reducing fertilizer and water consumption through the use of beneficial bacteria. The study, conducted by the university’s Agriculture and Climate Change Application and Research Center, involved isolating bacteria from sugar beet production areas.

Prof. Dr. Kubilay Kurtuluş Baştaş, Director of the Center, stated that these bacteria help plants absorb nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium more effectively. The research indicates that certain isolated bacteria can reduce nitrogen fertilizer use by 20-25 percent. Additionally, the bacteria have shown potential to reduce water consumption by up to 25 percent by mitigating drought and temperature stress in plants.