University of Arkansas wins grant to reduce fertilizer demand and boost biofuel production

In Arkansas, a University of Arkansas biologist working on research that could decrease the need for agricultural fertilizers and boost the production of biofuels recently received grants totaling more than $1 million from the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy.

He is studying how methanogens, organisms similar to bacteria, are able to use nitrogen directly from the atmosphere to live and grow. His research could lead to genetically modified plants that can access nitrogen in a similar manner, reducing or eliminating the need for fertilizer.

Understanding the mechanism that enables methanogens to access nitrogen from the atmosphere also holds promise for more efficient production of biofuels, methane and hydrogen.