REPHORM
Recycled Phosphorus Resolved by Microbes
Deciphering the ecological roles of microbes steered by recycled phosphorus compounds in stimulating plant growth
The global problem
Adequate phosphorus and iron supply is essential for crop production. Conventional agriculture relies on inorganic fertilizers. These fertilizers exhaust phosphorus resources, are ineffective and cause pollution.
Our solution
Our sustainable alternative uses recycled phosphorus and iron compounds that were recovered during wastewater treatment. We combine recycled compounds with beneficial microbes to make the nutrients more accessible to the crop.
Our approach
We optimize soil microbial communities via the novel method of artificial selection. Finally, we study their interaction with the plant, recycled phosphorus particles and soil and the effect on plant growth.
Our model plant
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is the fith-most important cereal crop. Sorghum is a versatile crop with many application possibilities and highly resilient to drought.
