York company backs natural bacteria to improve crops

Azotic Technologies, based in Dunnington, York, says its product could reduce fertiliser use by up to 25 per cent.

Encera, the company’s product, helps crops access nitrogen internally throughout the growing season.

Derek Cornforth (left) and his ProCam agronomist, Danny Hatchett (right) (Image: Azotic Technologies)

Sander Pabbruwee, CEO of 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."

The company has reported increased interest since earlier disruption in the Middle East affected fertiliser markets and temporarily closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for energy supplies.

The bacterium behind Encera was developed over 20 years of research before being commercialised by Azotic (Image: Azotic Technologies)

Mr Pabbruwee added: "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."

Encera is suitable for crops including wheat, maize, oilseed rape and potatoes.

The bacterium was originally discovered in Brazilian sugarcane and developed over 20 years before commercialisation.

Envita is spread on to crops so they can draw nitrogen directly from the air (Image: Azotic Technologies)

North Yorkshire farmer Derek Cornforth trialled Encera before adopting it more widely.

He said: "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."

Azotic believes ongoing instability in global fertiliser markets will keep demand high for alternatives that improve nitrogen efficiency.

The company operates in both the UK and North America.

With only gradual recovery expected in fertiliser supply chains, more farmers are reconsidering how they manage nitrogen inputs to support production and protect margins.

For more information, visit azotic.com.