Microalgae are unicellular plants that have an extraordinarily high photosynthetic capacity. This enables them to produce a variety of valuable compounds. They can also be cultivated under controlled conditions, offering a large surface area while taking up little space. The technology we have developed allows the extraction of highly valuable secondary metabolites from microalgae, such as phytohormones and phenols. Our product is suitable as a supplement to legumes: As part of a current feasibility study with legumes, we plan to stimulate their inoculation and strengthen the symbiosis between legumes and rhizobia.

There are over 50,000 different types of microalgae. We use a combination of five different strains of algae to manufacture our product. Through physical and biological action, we force the algae to excrete valuable signal substances. The microalgae in our product act like the chicken in chicken soup. While the biomass is processed further, we use the valuable broth for agriculture.

Plant hormones and phenols play a crucial role in agriculture. Their application promotes plant growth, increases disease resistance and improves overall plant health. Plant hormones such as auxins and gibberellins induce root growth and cell division, which leads to an increase in plant vitality and productivity. At the same time, they influence the production of root exudates, which promotes the growth of beneficial soil bacteria. Phenolic compounds such as salicylic acid and flavonoids in turn strengthen the plant's defense against pathogens and thus reduce the need for chemical pesticides. The synergistic interaction of plant hormones and phenols enables farmers to implement more sustainable cultivation methods, leading to increased yields and improved soil fertility.

The soil monitor enables precise observation of the soil. As the processes in the soil occur relatively slowly, a trial period of three to five years is usually necessary to enable a valid assessment of soil improvement. However, by directly observing the beneficial microorganisms in the soil using DNA sequencing, we can make faster and more accurate statements. This saves the farmer a lot of time and money.

We examine both the activity and the quantity of microorganisms such as Bacillus subtilis before and after application. We take a soil sample, apply our product and other products and analyze it again after a year to see how the soil life has changed. This allows the farmer to see not only what is on the soil surface, but also what is growing within the soil.

Initially, the focus will be on reducing chemical fertilizers and pesticides, particularly in conventional agriculture, which is striving to gradually decrease the amount of these additives. A reduction of 10 % is planned for the first year, 20 % for the second year and 30 % for the third year.

Our approach is characterized by a consistent thread that runs through the entire team. We are young and highly motivated - stopping soil degradation is a matter close to our hearts. In five years' time, we will have realized our "superhero dream"; hand in hand with the European Green Deal - 20% less fertilizer and 50% less pesticides by 2030 - we will be helping farms to maintain or improve soil fertility. As a very young company, we already have our first customers and have taken our feasibility studies from the lab to the field. We would like to invite everyone to start a trial with us with their own unique soil.

Interview: Beatrix Boldt