Defra's Initiative to Test Biological Alternatives for Dairy Farm Fertilisation

The UK government, through Defra's Farming Innovation Programme, is investigating the potential for dairy farms to substitute synthetic nitrogen fertiliser with biological alternatives. This study is part of a broader effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, which is a significant source of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas.

The Bio-Phage UK project, led by Terrafarmer and supported by Innovate UK, includes the University of Nottingham as a research partner. This initiative is testing whether dairy farms can replace up to 50% of synthetic nitrogen fertilisers with biological options while ensuring that forage performance is maintained or improved. The project is one of 15 innovative projects across England sharing £21.5 million in funding.

Dr. Nick Girkin from the University of Nottingham is spearheading the project's component focused on in-field greenhouse gas monitoring, biofertiliser strategy optimisation, and lifecycle assessments of emissions. Field trials are being conducted on three commercial dairy farms in England, with additional controlled experiments at the university.

In addition to biological inputs, the research team is testing BIOCAT, a phage-based soil treatment targeting bacteria that produce nitrous oxide. If successful, this project could pave the way for a significant reduction in reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilisers in dairy farming, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices.

The findings are expected to provide critical insights for farmers and policymakers to make informed decisions about sustainable farming practices. The project's success could demonstrate a credible route to lower-emission dairy forage production, enhancing soil resilience and improving nitrogen use efficiency.