LiRham

Liamocines and Rhamnolipids for Foliar Fertilization, Plant Strengthening, and the Promotion of Beneficial Microorganisms (LiRham)

Project Partners: HGoTECH GmbH (Coordination), University of Bonn, RWTH Aachen
Funding Program: EFRE/JTF Program NRW 2021–2027
Project Duration: 01.04.2024 – 31.03.2027
Total Budget: €1,441,321
Funded by: European Union and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia

Project Overview

Agriculture faces the challenge of reducing synthetic auxiliaries such as petrochemical surfactants and synthetic chelators, which accumulate in the environment and pose potential risks to ecosystems. Within the EFRE/JTF-funded project LiRham, we are developing an innovative, sustainable foliar fertilization solution based on biogenic rhamnolipids and liamocines (better known as polyol lipids).

These microbially produced biosurfactants and chelators provide multiple synergistic effects: They enhance nutrient adhesion and uptake on hydrophobic leaf surfaces, act as natural complexing agents for essential trace elements like iron, zinc, and copper, and simultaneously strengthen plant defense mechanisms. Additionally, they promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms, leading to an improved soil microbiome.

By utilizing these biodegradable compounds, the dependence on conventional adjuvants such as EDTA or synthetic wetting agents can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, rhamnolipids have shown induced resistance effects against biotic and abiotic stress factors, including pathogens, drought, and cold stress, increasing the resilience of plants to environmental changes.

Objectives and Innovation Potential

  •  Development of efficient, bio-based foliar fertilizers with performance comparable to or exceeding synthetic chelators
  • Implementation of sustainable production processes, utilizing biogenic waste streams for biosurfactant and chelator synthesis
  • Reduction of environmental impact by replacing persistent chemical auxiliaries
  • Support of a healthy soil microbiome through stimulation of beneficial bacteria and fungi
  • Enhancement of crop stress tolerance via the combination of foliar fertilization and induced resistance mechanisms

The LiRham project actively contributes to the green transformation in agriculture and presents a promising alternative to conventional plant protection and fertilizer formulations.

This project is co-financed by the European Union.

More information about the EFRE/JTF Program NRW: www.efre.nrw