Natural nitrification and urease inhibitors for enhanced nitrogen use efficiency

Overview

This solution focuses on improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in agriculture by utilizing natural nitrification and urease inhibitors. By extracting active compounds from plants like Neem and Moringa, and microbes such as Bacillus, this research aims to reduce nitrogen losses and enhance crop resilience. The intended outcomes include reduced ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions, increased NUE by 15-30%, and the development of affordable, locally sourced products that can substitute synthetic inhibitors.

Technical specifications

The project involves a multi-phase approach:

• Phase 1: Screening of plant and microbial extracts for urease and nitrification inhibition.
• Phase 2: Greenhouse trials on crops such as maize and rice to measure biomass and nitrogen loss.
• Phase 3: Field trials across various agroecological zones comparing natural and synthetic inhibitors.
• Phase 4: Development of biodegradable coatings and liquid fertigation systems. Key metrics evaluated include biomass yield, nitrogen emissions, and soil health indicators.

Technology readiness level

Currently at TRL 2, this technology is in the early stages of research and development, involving laboratory-based studies to validate the efficacy of selected inhibitors. Future phases will include extensive field trials and product development to transition towards commercial readiness.