Kano Scientist Unveils ‘Air-to-Fertilizer’ Innovation to Boost Cereal Production
By Adam Said Adam, Kano
A Nigerian scientist from Kano State, Dr. Mubarak Mahmud, has unveiled a groundbreaking scientific approach that could help crops obtain essential nutrients directly from the air, a development that may reduce farmers’ dependence on costly synthetic fertilizers.
Dr. Mahmud, who currently works with the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment, conducted the research in collaboration with scientists from Université Bourgogne Europe in Dijon, France.
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The study focuses on improving how plants access nitrogen, a key nutrient that is abundant in the air but cannot be directly used by many important crops such as maize, wheat, and rice.
Farmers typically rely on synthetic fertilizers to supply this nutrient. However, these fertilizers are expensive and can cause environmental problems, including water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Dr. Mahmud’s research explores how natural soil organisms can help solve this challenge. His work focuses on soil microorganisms and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, which form underground networks that connect plant roots to nutrients in the soil.
These fungi act like natural bridges, helping plants absorb nutrients more efficiently. At the same time, certain microbes can convert nitrogen from the air into forms that plants can use.
According to the scientist, the challenge has always been that much of the converted nutrient is lost in the soil before plants can absorb it.
To address this, the new approach combines microbial activity with fungal networks to deliver nutrients directly to plant roots, improving the efficiency of natural nutrient cycles without the need for genetic modification.
If successfully developed for large-scale farming, the technology could significantly increase crop yields, lower production costs for farmers, and reduce environmental damage caused by excessive fertilizer use.
Dr. Mahmud explained that while the innovation will not immediately replace synthetic fertilizers, it represents a major step toward more sustainable agriculture.
He also called for stronger interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists, agricultural institutions, and policymakers to further develop the technology and make it accessible to farmers.