TwinN

TwinN has been designed with the environment in mind.

To sustain relentless population growth, conventional nitrogen fertiliser has played a significant role in food production. The manufacture of nitrogenous fertilisers is highly dependent upon a supply of natural gas and over 1% of the world's energy supply is used in the production process. Each year, 500 million tons of artificial fertiliser is produced, sustaining roughly 40% of the world’s population. As a result, the manufacture and transportation of nitrogenous fertilisers contributes greatly to greenhouse gas emissions.

TwinN microbes have been freeze-dried - removing water ensures that the product remains small and easy to transport. TwinN therefore minimises transport costs and cuts greenhouse gas emissions as the product is compact and light enough to be sent through the post.

There is great concern that conventional nitrogen fertiliser results in the leaching of soil nitrates into waterways, causing significant environmental damage. Since TwinN operates from within the plant, leaching is minimal. As a result, TwinN can be used to good effect in nitrate-sensitive zones as imposed by government regulations.

• The image opposite shows TwinN treated wheat produced by a grower in Kenya. Many farmers noted larger and less shrivelled grains in their TwinN treated crops during the 2007 season.