York agtech firm develops fertiliser solution

An agricultural technology company has developed a bacteria-based product designed to help farmers reduce fertiliser use by up to 25 per cent as global markets remain volatile.

Dunnington-based Azotic Technologies, which also operates in North America, has created Encera, a biological solution that enables crops to access nitrogen from within the plant, improving nitrogen efficiency while reducing the need for conventional fertiliser.

The company says interest in the technology has increased following disruption to global fertiliser markets earlier this year, driven by instability in the Middle East and the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key trade route for energy supplies used in fertiliser production.

Encera can be used across crops including wheat, maize, oilseed rape and potatoes. According to Azotic, the product provides a consistent supply of nitrogen throughout the growing season, helping maintain crop performance while lowering fertiliser requirements.

The technology is based on a naturally occurring bacterium first discovered in Brazilian sugarcane and commercialised by Azotic following more than 20 years of research.

Sander Pabbruwee, chief executive at Azotic, said: “Farmers are under real pressure to produce the same yields with less fertiliser. 

“Our technology helps them do exactly that, by enabling crops to access nitrogen naturally from within the plant itself.

“Most nitrogen fertilisers are produced using energy-intensive processes that rely heavily on natural gas. 

“When disruption hits, prices rise quickly and farmers feel it immediately.

“What we’re hearing from farmers and growers is clear, they are looking for more consistent and predictable ways to manage inputs. 

“By improving nitrogen efficiency, they can protect both their margins and their long-term resilience.”

North Yorkshire farmer Derek Cornforth, who trialled the product, added: “The results spoke for themselves. 

“With fertiliser prices where they are, anything that helps reduce what I need to buy while still delivering a good crop is a real advantage.”

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