By Scout Nelson
Researchers at South Dakota State University are exploring how ancient cyanobacteria could help solve one of agriculture’s biggest challenges: producing affordable and sustainable fertilizer.
Cyanobacteria are microscopic organisms that appeared billions of years ago and helped create the oxygen-rich atmosphere that supports life today. Scientists now believe these same organisms may help farmers reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers.
The research is being led through the BioNitrogen Economy Research Center, a collaborative project involving SDSU and several South Dakota partners. Professor Ruanbao Zhou and his team are studying cyanobacteria strains that naturally convert nitrogen from the air into forms plants can use.
"More than 2.8 billion years ago, tiny cyanobacteria did something truly extraordinary. They used sunlight to split water and release oxygen. In doing so, they turned a lifeless planet into one that could breathe," Zhou said. "Today, these same solar-powered, nitrogen-fixing microbes may once again help us reshape our world."
Nitrogen fertilizer is essential for modern agriculture, but current production relies heavily on the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process. This method requires large amounts of natural gas and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Fertilizer runoff can also harm lakes, rivers, and other water resources.
Researchers are using advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and genetic engineering, to improve the nitrogen-fixing abilities of cyanobacteria. Their goal is to create biofertilizers that provide crops with nutrients while reducing environmental impacts.
Greenhouse studies show that wheat grown with cyanobacteria-based fertilizers performs similarly to crops grown with conventional fertilizers. To prepare for larger-scale production, researchers have developed special growing systems and harvesting equipment that allow them to produce larger amounts of cyanobacteria biomass.
Once processed into a dry powder, the biofertilizer can be applied to fields where it continues fixing nitrogen naturally. Scientists believe this approach may improve soil health, reduce fertilizer costs, and support long-term agricultural productivity.
"Through their activity in the surface of soil or surface of plant leaves, nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria release bioavailable nitrogen into the soil, creating a more favorable environment for crop growth and improving overall soil health," Zhou said.
Researchers also see future opportunities beyond fertilizers, including biofuels and other sustainable products. They believe cyanobacteria may help create a cleaner and more resilient agricultural future.
"When we team up with these ancient, amazing microbes—and mix nature with modern engineering—we can build a solar-powered bionitrogen economy," Zhou said. "That means greener industries, healthier soils, and a planet that stays clean, vibrant and full of life for the next generation."
Photo Credit: gettyimages-anna-tarazevich
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Sustainable Agriculture