We are utilizing Beta-lactamase’s enzymatic interactions with nitrocefin to create a way to measure the bioavailable phosphate content of soil samples. As we now have 3 different plasmids that function to detect phosphate, the opportunity arises to further explore which plasmids reach our research expectations. It is our hope that future iGEM teams will be able to further explore the implications of soil health through the use of our parts.
Furthermore, we aim to have contributed to the field of agriculture and natural resource monitoring by making bioavailable phosphate soil testing possible using a synthetic biology approach. Through our interviews with a variety of farmers, we learned the importance of knowing phosphate levels in soil and the barriers agriculture communities face when performing soil testing. We learned that being able to ensure the health of soil from year to year is a crucial part of growing the food we eat. Throughout all of our interviews, we gained an insight into the amount of effort that goes into maintaining healthy soil. Additionally, phosphate level detection in the soil near bodies of water can be used as an indicator of the health of the water system. By utilizing knowledge about nutrient and organismal interactions, detrimental habitat issues that arise as a result of abnormal phosphate levels can be predicted and mitigated. We hope that our research and the synthesis of our bioavailable phosphate detector will help future iGEM teams further discover the intricacies of how to measure the health of soil, and use it to not only help agriculture communities, but also communicate the importance of soil health to all consumers.
WLC-Milwaukee contributed three constructs of plasmids that can be transformed into E. coli so that they may function as biosensors to evaluate the presence of phosphate within samples. These three plasmids are three different composite parts that control for the expression of the bla gene and thus the amount of Beta-lactamase produced when in the presence of phosphate. You can read more about them on our Parts page!
Our project this year has consisted of the development of the first soil detector able to determine the concentration of bioavailable phosphate in soil. This detector is targeted for use by commercial farmers who send soil samples to laboratories for testing. The basis of this biological phosphate detector includes colorimetric indicators for inorganic phosphate found in soil. This detection is important to ensure maximal crop health and yield. The efficiency and affordability of our testing service, farmers would be able to for the first time understand the levels of bioavailable phosphate in their soil aiding in appropriate fertilization.
We reached out to farmers who grow commercial vegetable crops and feed crops for animals. These farmers own large plots of land with many acres that require regular testing to compare current soil nutrient levels to past ones to understand how soil nutrients are changing. The farmers are instructed to take several soil samples from their land and send them to a laboratory to test and analyze phosphorus content then relay back the results in a quick and affordable way. Since the only requirement is mailing soil samples, the process is incredibly easy for the farmers involved. This ensures that no extra materials are needed for the farmer. Information about bioavailable phosphate levels then provides the farmers with vital information that is used for the responsible ordering and layering fertilizer on fields to maximize crop health and growth and minimize yearly fertilizer costs.