What you need to know
Photosynthesis is the process through which plants use sunlight to transform carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water into glucose and oxygen, a vital process for plant growth. The main elements required for photosynthesis are chlorophyll, water, light, and CO₂. FulVigour has made a breakthrough discovery of microbes that can photosynthesize using near-infrared rays, which penetrate deep into the soil. These microbes produce a carbon source that other microbes can use as food, creating a symbiotic relationship that enhances the efficiency of multiple agricultural biological solutions. This makes such systems economically viable for the first time.
FulVigour’s Early-Life Initiation Technology (EL-I Tech) is a patented biological solution that generates up to 300 kg of carbon per hectare using photosynthesizing microbes. This independent carbon source helps support a healthy microbial ecosystem, revolutionizing organic farming practices by providing a sustainable carbon source within the soil.
Microbes, like all living things, need specific resources and conditions to grow and carry out essential functions such as fixing nitrogen, breaking down minerals like phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), or creating enzymes that protect plants from harmful organisms. Like most living organisms, microbes need food, water, and oxygen. For food, microbes need carbon for energy. They get this from organic compounds like sugars, fats, and proteins, which can be found in compost. Microbes play a crucial role in agriculture by improving soil health and helping plants absorb nutrients.
Microbes need food, and until the development of Fulvigour’s patented technology, it was challenging to provide microbes with enough energy (in the form of carbon) to work effectively in large-scale farming.
On average, 20 kg of organic compost is needed to add 1 kg of solid carbon to the soil. An interlink truck, commonly used for transporting goods, typically carries about 36 tons of compost. This equates to approximately 1,800 kg of usable carbon, which is sufficient to enrich 3-4 hectares of soil. The sheer volume of compost required to provide enough carbon for microbes and bacteria in large-scale farming is generally uneconomical and unsustainable.
Fulvigour’s patented Early-Life Initiation technology provides a breakthrough solution. This technology can produce up to 300kg of usable carbon per hectare, making it efficient and cost-effective, transformed the use of organic fertilisers in agriculture.
Nitrogen is essential for plant growth because it forms a key component of proteins, chlorophyll, DNA, and ATP. These elements are crucial for plant metabolism, development, and reproduction. Without sufficient nitrogen, plants often suffer from yellowing leaves (chlorosis), stunted growth, and reduced yields due to impaired photosynthesis and energy production. Nitrogen plays a pivotal role in supporting strong, healthy plants by promoting vigorous growth and maximizing photosynthesis. This ensures that plants can produce high yields and resist environmental stresses, which in turn supports nutrient-rich crops and greater profitability for farmers.
Nitrogen encourages a cycle of healthy plant growth and increased yield. FulVigour offers a sustainable organic solution that provides the equivalent of 80N, delivering proven results, without the harmful environmental impacts of chemical fertilisers, at reduced costs.
Nitrogen fixation in agricultural biology refers to the natural process by which nitrogen (N₂) from the atmosphere is converted into ammonia (NH₃) or other nitrogenous compounds in the soil, making it available for plant use. Most plants cannot directly utilize atmospheric nitrogen, so certain types of bacteria, such as Rhizobium and Azotobacter, are responsible for converting it into a usable form. Traditionally, nitrogen fixation was limited to symbiotic bacteria associated with legumes.
A major breakthrough by FulVigour in 2021 enabled “free-living” nitrogen-fixing bacteria to be used with various non-leguminous plants. This innovation allows significant amounts of nitrogen to be fixed independently, providing a more effective and sustainable nitrogen source for a wider range of crops. This breakthrough opens new possibilities for organic farming by reducing dependency on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, benefiting both the environment and agricultural productivity.
Phosphorus (P) is critical for energy transfer through ATP, the synthesis of DNA and RNA, root development, and reproductive processes such as fruiting and flowering. Without sufficient phosphorus, plants may show stunted growth, poor root development, and reduced crop yields. Potassium (K) is equally important, as it regulates water use in plants, activates enzymes necessary for photosynthesis and protein synthesis, and strengthens the structural integrity of the plant. Additionally, potassium helps plants manage environmental stresses like drought and diseases.
Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) are vital macronutrients essential for the healthy growth and productivity of plants, playing key roles in various physiological processes. FulVigour offers an organic solution that enhances the bioavailability of phosphorus and potassium, increasing the uptake of these nutrients by up to 500%. This breakthrough provides a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilisers, leading to higher yields, better plant health, and a reduced environmental impact.
In soil, most potassium (90-98%) is found in insoluble mineral forms, making it unavailable to plants. Similarly, phosphorus often binds to soil particles or is present in forms that plants cannot absorb. As a result, a significant portion of these essential nutrients remains inaccessible. Microorganisms, like bacteria and fungi, secrete organic acids and enzymes that dissolve or break down insoluble forms of phosphorus and potassium, releasing them into the soil in a usable form. This natural is largely driven by soil microbes, which play a key role in making these essential nutrients available for plant uptake.
Solubilisation is the process by which insoluble nutrients, such as phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), in the soil are converted into soluble forms that plants can absorb. FulVigour’s patented sParK technology takes this further by boosting the efficiency of these biological solubilizing microbes. This allows for a significant reduction in the need for chemical PK fertilisers. It not only lowers fertilizer costs but also reduces the environmental impact associated with chemical fertilisers. This innovative approach ensures that plants have a more reliable and eco-friendly source of essential nutrients, contributing to sustainable agriculture and improved crop yields.
Carbon footprint of chemical fertilisers
The production of nitrogen fertilisers, such as ammonia, urea, and ammonium nitrate, is extremely energy-intensive, accounting for about 1-2% of global energy consumption. The primary energy source for this process comes from fossil fuels, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and a substantial carbon footprint. Here is an estimated breakdown of the carbon footprint per ton of fertilizer:
- Nitrogen fertilisers. 1.8 to 2.5 tons of CO₂ equivalent per ton.
- Phosphorus fertilisers. 0.8 to 1.0 tons of CO₂ equivalent per ton.
- Potassium fertilisers. 0.4 to 0.6 tons of CO₂ equivalent per ton.
These values can vary depending on production methods, energy sources, and local practices.
Fulvigour offers a sustainable organic alternative that drastically reduces the environmental impact and carbon footprint compared to traditional chemical fertilisers. Through its innovative technology, the company reduces reliance on fossil-fuel-intensive fertilisers, promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural approach.
Negative environmental impact of chemical fertilisers.
While chemical fertilisers have contributed significantly to increasing agricultural productivity, their extensive use has led to numerous environmental and health concerns. Below are some of the key issues:
- Carbon Footprint. The manufacturing of fertilizers, particularly nitrogen fertilisers, is highly energy-intensive. This process primarily relies on fossil fuels, especially natural gas, to supply the necessary energy for converting atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia through the Haber-Bosch process. As a result, the production of nitrogen fertilisers emits significant quantities of carbon dioxide (CO₂). For every ton of nitrogen fertiliser produced, approximately 1.8 to 2.5 tons of CO₂ are released into the atmosphere. This makes fertiliser production a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, with nitrogen fertilisers alone accounting for around 1-2% of global energy consumption. The environmental impact is worsened by the fact that nitrogen fertilisers not only release CO₂ during production but also contribute to nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, during their application in fields.
- Soil Degradation. Overuse of chemical fertilisers can lead to nutrient imbalances, soil acidification, and a depletion of essential micronutrients like zinc, iron, and copper. This reduces soil fertility and organic matter, negatively impacting soil structure, water retention, and microbial health. Ammonium-based fertilisers also increase soil acidity, requiring additional treatments to maintain the soil’s pH balance. Over time, this can lower crop yields and make agriculture more expensive.
- Environmental Pollution. Runoff from fields treated with nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisers often contaminates rivers, lakes, and oceans, leading to algal blooms. These blooms deplete oxygen in water, harming aquatic ecosystems and contaminating drinking water. Nitrogen-based fertilisers also contribute to air pollution by releasing nitrous oxide (N₂O), a potent greenhouse gas that exacerbates climate change.
- Impact on Human Health. Excessive use of chemical fertilisers can leave harmful residues in crops, leading to food contamination linked to various health problems, including certain cancers. Farmers and workers exposed to these fertilisers during production are also at risk of health issues due to prolonged contact with toxic chemicals.
- Harm to Biodiversity. The application of chemical fertilisers can disrupt ecosystems by altering soil microbial diversity, which is essential for maintaining healthy soils. Fertiliser runoff can also harm wildlife by polluting water bodies, leading to the death of fish, amphibians, and other species that rely on these ecosystems.
- Economic Concerns. As soil fertility declines, farmers often need to use more fertilisers to maintain crop yields, leading to increased production costs. Additionally, environmental damage such as water pollution and soil degradation can result in expensive remediation efforts.
Given these widespread issues, there is increasing interest in sustainable agricultural practices that reduce or eliminate the use of chemical fertilizers.
Fulvigour is the only bio-fertiliser that addresses all these concerns while delivering sustainable agricultural results.