Biological nitrification inhibition by Plantago lanceolata to reduce nitrogen losses from agroecosystems

There is evidence that ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) can inhibit the conversion of ammonium to nitrate in the soil through its secondary metabolites and by this improve the nitrogen use efficiency (so-called ‘biological nitrification inhibition’ (BNI)). However, the underlying processes and driving forces are largely unknown. The research project "PlantaGO" aims to decipher the biochemical and microbial processes and to develop a mechanistic model for the mode of action of ribwort plantain in the soil-plant-air system.

The project pursues the following objectives:

1. Identify ribwort plantain genotypes with proven BNI potential and investigate the interaction with environmental factors,
2. find genes associated with BNI release,
3. decipher the exact mode of action, including dose-response relationships,
4. evaluate the effects of ribwort plantain on functional soil microbial communities.

The results will provide guidance on how to optimally incorporate ribwort plantain into agricultural crop rotations to minimise N losses while maintaining the productivity of the system.

• Swiss National Science Foundation SNSF (WEAVE Program)

• Further programmes

• University of Brussels, Belgium
• University of Liège, Belgium
• University of Giessen, Germany

• Bünemann-König Else (Department of Soil Sciences)

• Frick Hanna (Department of Soil Sciences)
• Krause Hans-Martin (Department of Soil Sciences)

• Nutrient Management & Symbiosis (Department of Soil Sciences, FiBL Switzerland)
• Soil fertility & Climate (Department of Soil Sciences, FiBL Switzerland)