Rapid screening method for natural products affecting soil nitrification
A novel soil assay method to screen natural compounds for their effect on soil nitrification, identifying both stimulatory and inhibitory products. This technique optimizes conditions for maximum impact, aiming for improved crop nitrogen use efficiency.
Overview
The John Innes Centre presents a cutting-edge method for rapidly screening natural products that influence soil nitrification. This innovative assay identifies compounds that can either stimulate or inhibit the conversion of urea or ammonium to nitrate, a critical process in soil nutrient cycling. By optimizing the formulation and conditions, this method aims to enhance crop nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), potentially leading to more sustainable agricultural practices. This solution offers significant potential for improving soil health and crop productivity.
Technical specifications
- Assay Method: Utilizes soil samples incubated with ammonium sulfate or urea; measures changes in nitrate levels over a 20-hour period.
- Natural Product Sources: Focuses on plant and fungal compounds grown under optimized conditions for maximal impact on nitrification rates.
- Screening Process: Includes both natural and synthetic compounds, with a focus on identifying synergistic effects on nitrification.
- Future Steps: Involves field trials with crop NUE assessment through rhizosphere assays and soil microbiome monitoring.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 6, indicating that it has been validated in relevant environments and is ready for further development and optimization in field conditions.
About John Innes Centre
John Innes Centre is an independent UK research institute in Norwich focused on plant and microbial science and operating as a registered charity. Embedded within the Norwich Research Park, it offers industry access to co‑located laboratories, extensive glasshouses and controlled‑environment rooms, a dedicated field experimentation farm, and shared research platforms available to external users. A Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation team brokers partnerships, while IP and licensing are channelled via Plant Bioscience Limited, jointly owned with The Sainsbury Laboratory and BBSRC. Research is strategically supported by UKRI‑BBSRC with additional competitive awards from BBSRC and NERC. The park ecosystem links partners to the University of East Anglia, a major NHS hospital, and allied institutes for streamlined collaboration.
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