10137491ENRICH: Enhancing Nitrogen-use through Root Imaging and Community HarnessingActiveGrant for R&DInnovate UKThe UK produces 14Mt of wheat annually (worth £18B), relying on nitrogen (N) fertilizer, though only 40-60% is utilized by crops. This inefficiency leads to environmental damage, rising costs, and regulatory changes, compounded by climate change. Improving N-use efficiency, such as through biologicals that aid uptake, is crucial. FA Bio will screen at least 50 fungi from their microbial library using innovative ML and bioinformatic algorithms. The best candidates will be fermented, formulated, and tested in glasshouse trials to assess their impact on nutrient-use efficiency and crop yield. Top performers will be scaled-up and tested in field trials with a granular formulation. This project brings together expertise in microbial discovery/isolation/culturing and product fermentation/formulation (FA Bio), phenotyping/glasshouse trials/project management/knowledge exchange (UK ATC) and plant root phenomics (UON). Through this project, the partners will deliver: * Bioproduct that increases nitrogen use efficiency of wheat plants, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. * Increasing yields of English cereal growers and reducing agriculture's carbon footprint (up to 30% displacement of chemical fertilizers). * Know-how/protocol development for monitoring root structures in response to bioproducts, including new techniques in the field. * Engagement with farmers/agronomists/stakeholders via advisory panel, and through attendance at industry events