Harpenden-based agritech firm NouriSol has reported promising results from trials of its pioneering algae-based fertilisers, demonstrating a remarkable 21% increase in crop yields compared to conventional chemical fertilisers.
Located at the Rothamsted Research campus, NouriSol harnesses the natural power of microalgae already abundant in farmers’ soils. These algae capture carbon and nitrogen from the atmosphere using sunlight, continuing their beneficial processes even after being applied to fields.
In contrast, conventional fertiliser production and use contribute around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, traditional fertilisers often lead to significant environmental damage, with up to 50% leaching away rather than nourishing crops.
CEO Dr Marine Valton explained the process behind NouriSol’s innovative product: “We go to the farmers’ field and find the algae—in one gram of soil you have 5 million algae, microalgae—we select the best ones and scale up production to then apply it to the crops.”
Through rigorous greenhouse and field trials in collaboration with local farmers, the product has consistently delivered impressive yield increases. “That is where we have seen our product has led to a 21% increase in yield compared to a chemical fertiliser,” Dr Valton said.
Highlighting the broader benefits for farmers, Dr Valton added: “Farmers are under a lot of pressure with the changing regulations to farm sustainably and produce more, and we are allowing them to do that as well as improve their profits.”
With significant backing already secured—£500,000 from Innovate UK and the Royal Academy of Engineering—NouriSol is actively fundraising an additional £1.3 million to scale up production and bring its first product to market.
“We really want to get our product out there,” said Dr Valton. “We are looking to start working with more British farmers and farmers from all over the world.”
