Perm Polytech Creates Bacterial Additive That Boosts Plant Growth, Reduces Fertilizer Use, and Prevents Toxic Algal Blooms

Scientists at Perm Polytechnic University have developed a liquid bacterial additive for phosphate fertilizers that addresses a critical inefficiency in agriculture. Up to 75% of phosphorus applied as fertilizer is never absorbed by plants — roots cannot take it up in solid compounds, as phosphorus quickly reacts with clay, aluminum, iron, or calcium found in most soils. As a result, the effective usefulness of conventional fertilizers does not exceed 20–30%, forcing farmers to apply far more than plants actually need. The excess phosphorus washes into rivers and lakes, triggering dangerous algal blooms — “flowering” of water — which causes dermatitis, rashes, and even severe poisoning in humans. The new additive, the first liquid biopreparation in Russia based on bacteria isolated from corn, converts insoluble phosphorus compounds into forms easily absorbed by roots. According to Associate Professor Yulia Kuznetsova, the additive is 30% more effective than existing alternatives and can reduce the need for traditional phosphate fertilizers by 30–50%.

Beyond fertilizer savings, the additive offers additional benefits. The microorganisms release natural growth stimulants that regulate plant development. In experiments, wheat roots grew 28% longer, radish roots grew 13% longer, and above-ground parts increased by 7% and 16% respectively. The researchers have also found a way to reduce production costs: instead of pure glucose, bacteria can be grown on molasses, a waste product of the sugar industry, lowering the cost per liter from 100 to 87 rubles. The production technology follows a closed-loop principle — water used for growing bacteria is purified and returned to production rather than discharged into sewage, further reducing environmental impact.