Startup's engineered microbes aim to replace half of synthetic fertilizer

A startup called Switch Bioworks is developing engineered microbes that can provide nitrogen to crops, potentially reducing the need for synthetic fertilizer. The microbes use a genetic switch to establish themselves before shifting into nitrogen-fixing mode. The company's trials in six US states suggest the approach could eventually replace about half of synthetic fertilizer use.

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Switch Bioworks' method relies on a genetic toggle that delays nitrogen production until microbial colonies are established around roots. This addresses the energy cost of nitrogen fixation, which typically stunts microbe growth. Field tests span six US states, primarily targeting corn, which occupies over 90 million acres. A commercial