BIONOSTOC Operational Group: Use of Nostocales cyanobacteria as cotton biofertilizers in the Lower Guadalquivir

The BioNostoc project is expected to demonstrate significant benefits from the use of cyanobacterial-based biofertilizers in cotton cultivation in the Lower Guadalquivir. Two selected strains of Nostocales cyanobacteria, native to the region, will be applied to cotton fields to enhance nitrogen fixation, reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers, and improve soil health. Increases in plant growth, root development, and overall yield are expected, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional fertilizers. The main practical recommendation for farmers is to incorporate these biofertilizers into cotton crop management.

By applying the product at planting and during the first irrigation, cotton growers can reduce the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers by up to 30%, which will lower production costs and environmental impacts, such as nitrate leaching into water bodies. Furthermore, the use of this natural fertilizer is expected to improve the resilience of cotton crops, making them more tolerant to stressful conditions such as drought.

For cotton industry professionals, this innovation offers a clear advantage: it helps comply with nitrate reduction regulations, ensures improved long-term soil fertility, and increases profitability through cost savings and improved crop yields. Furthermore, this biofertilizer utilizes local cyanobacteria strains, minimizing the risk of disrupting the soil's natural ecosystem and ensuring better adaptation to local conditions.