Biomineral Systems LLC — Department of Agriculture SBIR Phase II: 8.12

Description

Phosphorus Biofertilizer For Sustainable AgricultureProject SummaryOur proposed approach will utilize a novel and patented technology that will solubilize residualinorganic and organic phosphorus in soils as well as make synthetic and organic phosphorusfertilizers available on demand for sustainable crop growth eliminating any leaching losses.TM BioCat-P is a novel next generation biofertilizer biocatalyst comprising proprietaryphosphobacteria that makes both applied and residual inorganic and organic phosphorusavailable for crop growth. The goal of the proposed research is to reduce the application ofsynthetic/organic phosphorus fertilizers by ~50% without reducing yields thus offering aconsiderable reduction in input costs to small and midsize organic and conventional cropgrowers. Our Phase II effort is focused on Field Corn Sweet Corn Wheat Cotton AlfalfaSpinach and Leaf Lettuce. The technology has been validated in small plot trials of field corn inTMFarmer City Illinois and in Sweet Corn trials in Maricopa AZ.BioCat-P inoculum productionhas been scaled up to 100 L in a custom batch fermentation reactor. The Phase II effort willTM involve 1 acre demo trials of BioCat-P treated seeds in calcareous soils for growing field corn;cotton; alfalfa; wheat; spinach; and leaf lettuce with synthetic P fertilizer (Mono ammoniumphosphate) and organic P fertilizer (Rock Phosphate) on the Ak-Chin and CRIT tribal lands. Thecompany has contacted USDA extension agents for the 'Nutrient Exchange Program' of Iowa and'Vermont Pay for Performance Program' of Vermont to conduct demo trials in these states for aproduct launch targeted to small and mid-size growers. The company does not see any barrier toTM market entry and post-Phase II the BioCat-P will be available to Historically underservedTMproducers of the Ak-Chin and CRIT tribes as well as any other customers. BioCat-P can also beapplied to organically grown crops and will enable an easier transition for conventional growerstransitioning from conventional to organic production systems. There is no regulatory burdenTMassociated with BioCat-P in conventional production systems in the state of Arizona and in theTMMidwest. BioCat-P inoculum can be registered with OMRI (Organic Materials ReviewInstitute) for organic production systems.