Details of the project EPI

Development and implementation of innovative changes in cultivation technology for winter forms of wheat and rape based on plant growth promoting bacteria

01-03-2023 do 31-10-2024

1 570 816,76

EFRROW; national public funds; own funds

www.pgpb.probiotics.pl

The main objective of the project is to develop an innovative technology for cultivation winter forms of wheat and oilseed rape (OSR) using a Plant-Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) with the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and produce substances to support plant growth and resistance. Preliminary research and literature data indicatesthat the application of cultivation technology using PGPB will result in an increase of protein in wheat grains by about 10% and optimisation of the fatty acid profile in oilseed rape seeds, with a 30% reduction in conventional mineral nitrogen fertilisation.

In the first year of the study, two preparations composed of Azotobacter and Pseudomonas will be applied (field experiments) in different treatments (humic acids and mineral nitrogen fertilization). The effects of PGPB on the composition and biodiversity of the native soil bacterial community will be investigated.Based on studies determining yield quantity and quality andsoil physico-chemical properties, an optimal fertilisation strategy for winter forms of wheat and oilseed rape with PGPB will be selected and tested under production conditions (field experiments) in the following year.

Wheat and oilseed rape play an important role in the crop structure in Poland. Last year, winter wheat was cultivated on an area of approx. 2.29 million hectares, while oilseed rape on an area exceeding one million hectares. An important factor determining the size and quality of yields of these crops is the nitrogen fertilization applied mainly in the form of synthetic fertilizers, which widespread use of has led to adverse changes in the environment. Within the EU, initiatives have already been taken on several occasions to reduce the use of synthetic nitrogen, e.g. through the Nitrates Directive (1991) and the European Green Deal. Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria, which the widespread use of could lead to a reduction in the use of mineral fertilizers, appear to be a very good solution to help reduce this problem. However, the market offer of microbial preparations is limited and the available range still does not meet the expectations and needs of modern agriculture. The PGPB Operati

An important aspect facilitating the introduction of the innovative technology for cultivation winter forms of rape and wheat, based on a micro-biotechnological solution, will be the safety of the applied product for the natural environment and food quality. The main advantage of the proposed solution in the cultivation of selected plants in relation to those already existing and commonly used on farms in the operational group will be the expected reduction in the use of mineral nitrogen fertilizers by about 30% and the projected improvement in yield quality. In addition, it can be stated with high probability that the oilseed rape and winter wheat cultivation technology developed by us can be successfully implemented on any farm in our climate zone. In the future, the operational group also plans to transfer the solutions developed as a result of the operation to other economically important crops. It is also worth mentioning that an additional aspect facilitating the implementation o

- Improving the size and quality of the final crop; - Reduction of plant stress caused by environmental (abiotic) factors; - A projected decrease in the use of nitrogen mineral fertilizers of approximately 30%; - Improved soil quality parameters - physico-chemical and microbiological including preservation or increase of microbial diversity; - Meeting the objectives of the European Green Deal, the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 - Bringing nature back into our lives and the Soil Strategy 2030; - Reduction of CO2 emissions; - Increased farmer income.

At present, there is no developed and well-researched technology for wheat and rapeseed production based on probiotechnology and, in particular, technology for the production of these crops using selected plant growth-promoting bacteria, which could reduce the need for fertilization with synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, support the biodiversity of the soil microbiota, and promote the natural biological activity of the soil. Reducing the use of this type of fertilizer has a direct impact on reducing production costs for winter forms of rapeseed and wheat, and will indirectly reduce CO2 emissions, further contributing to climate change mitigation. In addition, the documented higher quality of wheat yields obtained with microbial-based technology can be the basis for obtaining valuable certificates including EU organic farming certificates, which could translate into increased customer interest. In addition, as a part of the implementation of the fertilizer technology, the leader of the operational group will carry out work related to authorizing the marketing of preparations on the organic and fertilizer list at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (List: 1. natural products other than fertilizers and soil conditioners, 2. fertilizers and soil conditioners, 3. microbial fertilizer products), as well as obtaining PZH approval. This will encourage future dissemination of products outside conventional agriculture.

fertilization and nutrients