AGROFERT Operational Group: New biofertilizer products for sustainable crop production in the Lower Guadalquivir

The AgroFert project aims to deliver a biofertilizer that can reduce the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers by up to 40–80 kg per hectare, improving soil health and crop yields. Expected outcomes include increased nitrogen fixation in the soil through the use of amino acid-based biofertilizers, particularly N-methylglycine, which acts in symbiosis with soil bacteria. This approach will not only reduce nitrate pollution in water sources but also increase plant resistance to stress, improving overall productivity.

The main practical recommendation is to incorporate this biofertilizer into the crop management cycle, especially for winter crops such as beets and carrots, summer crops such as tomatoes and cotton, and perennials such as olives. The main value for farmers lies in the cost savings from reduced fertilizer use, improved soil structure, and increased long-term yields. By reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers, farmers can reduce production costs, lessen their environmental impact, and comply with stricter environmental regulations.

Furthermore, the biofertilizer's ability to improve plant resistance to stress will result in more consistent harvests, ensuring improved marketability and profitability. Farmers can take advantage of this innovation by incorporating it into their existing practices with minimal disruption, helping them transition to more sustainable agriculture without losing productivity, and even increasing it.