Modern-day agriculture relies heavily on the use of synthetic fertilisers to consistently achieve high yields and maintain financial viability. Achieving net zero emissions is a priority in the fight against climate change, and the industrial production of fertilisers is responsible for producing three tonnes of atmospheric CO2 for every tonne of fertiliser produced.

Fertilisers also exhibit significant economic pressures, with prices rising 80% in 2021 and 30% since the start of 2022, causing record high input costs for growers and increased prices for consumers.

Wheat is a major staple crop for 35% of the world's population, and Europe is the second highest consumer, however, the crop is highly dependent on fertiliser inputs, which are required for 50% of the yield potential.

Beneficial microbes, such as mycorrhizal fungi, are able to improve the efficiency of plants being able to absorb fertilisers that are applied, as well as releasing nutrients that are trapped in the soil. However, their use in agriculture is often highly variable.

This project will use cutting-edge science to develop new advanced strains of mycorrhizal fungi, which are ideally suited to reducing the reliance of wheat on fertiliser inputs, and perform consistently and reliably. By reducing this reliance, less fertiliser will be used, and in turn, less CO2 is produced in their production, forming part of an important toolset to allow the UK to reach net zero and mitigate the impacts of climate change.