NetZeroNitrogen wants bacteria to replace synthetic fertilizer on farm fields

NetZeroNitrogen is a startup aiming to reduce the reliance on synthetic fertilizers by introducing naturally occurring nitrogen-fixing bacteria as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative. Synthetic fertilizers, while crucial for global food production, contribute significantly to environmental issues such as oceanic dead zones caused by runoff. NetZeroNitrogen’s approach uses bacteria that directly target plants’ nitrogen needs, contrasting with the broad application of synthetic fertilizers. These bacteria are not genetically modified, simplifying regulatory approval and allowing potential use in organic farming. The bacteria die along with the plant, minimizing ecological risks. The company plans to launch its first product targeting rice cultivation, leveraging the crop’s seed-soaking process to apply the bacteria easily. By using large-scale fermentation, NetZeroNitrogen can produce its bacterial amendment at a lower cost than the traditional Haber-Bosch process used for synthetic fertilizer production. The startup aims to offer its product at least $50 per hectare cheaper than synthetic fertilizers, potentially providing a 30-40% cost reduction in