10080831Characterization of a novel biostimulant targeting crop root system and soil microbiome through WISH-ROOTS methodological approach and field trials.ClosedGrant for R&DInnovate UKOur novel biostimulant, provisionally named BIOSTImax, is produced in England from native, natural soils an water resources through an optimized manufacturing process of fermentation and filtering. Our innovation is the provision of a product that combine the beneficial effects of naturally occurring organic compounds and selected microbiome communities, specifically phages, which have been reported for their fundamental role in soil ecology and associated functions. BIOSTImax offers a cost-effective solution to the problems of carbon and nitrogen fertilizer losses in our crop systems, the associated economic challenges and environmental impact of nitrogen fertilizer application, and the decline of soil health linked to loss of soil biodiversity and structure. Preliminary tests at laboratory scale conducted in collaboration with John Innes Centre in Norwich, has shown that BIOSTImax can significantly reduce transformation of nitrogen in agricultural soils, thereby increasing the amount of the nitrogen applied as fertilizer that is available to the plants and reducing losses to the environment through leaching and gaseous emissions. The preliminary tests have also shown a decrease in carbon emission as carbon dioxide from agricultural soil treated with BIOSTImax. Throughout this project, we will characterize the composition of BIOSTImax to provide a standardized description of the organic compounds and microbiome composition. We will validate and quantify the efficiency of BIOSTImax to reduce carbon and nitrogen losses from agricultural soils, both at laboratory scale and in field trials accross the country, to provide measurable evidences of the benefits of the product. The field trials will also allow a realistic optimization of the dosage and most effective time of application. The field trials will be carried out in collaboration with five farmers across UK and will be supported and guided by the academic partner to ensure consistency and relevant outcomes. For this project, we will focus on the impact of BIOSTImax in wheat, one of the main crop systems in UK. We aim to disseminate the results of this project to a broad range of crop producers to maximize the potential impact of this innovative biostimulant to advance sustainable wheat production in UK.