A nature-based solution for reducing nitrogen leaching and improving soil health

Soil health and biodiversity are essential foundations for sustainable farming. Yet intensive agricultural practices can lead to nutrient runoff, disturbing soil ecosystems and reducing the diversity of microorganisms that are vital for nutrient cycling. Maintaining soil biodiversity is, therefore, key to improving resilience in agricultural systems and enabling farmers to adapt to environmental changes.

To address these challenges, Danish seed company DLF has developed Agritain – a nature-based forage solution that reduces nitrogen leaching while enhancing soil health. When integrated into pastures, Agritain functions both during and after digestion in livestock by reducing the amount of nitrogen excreted in urine and diluting its concentration. This results in less nitrogen being released into the soil over time. 

As a biosolution, Agritain harnesses plant biology to manage nitrogen naturally – providing an alternative to synthetic fertiliser interventions and supporting a biological approach to nutrient efficiency. It also contains natural compunds that slow the conversion of ammonium to nitrate. This allows plants to absorb more nitrogen directly, lowering the risk of leaching into groundwater and nearby ecosystems.

Agritain can reduce nitrogen leaching by 20-60% 

Agritain also contains natural compounds that slow the conversion of ammonium to nitrate. This allows plants to absorb more nitrogen directly, lowering the risk of leaching into groundwater and nearby ecosystems.

Beyond reducing nitrogen runoff, Agritain contributes to healthier soils through its deep-root system, which adds organic matter and improves soil structure. These improvements support a more diverse ecosystem of beneficial organisms – including bacteria, fungi, earthworms and insects – all of which are essential for nutrient cycling and long-term soil vitality.

Through innovation in forage breeding, DLF demonstrates how biosolutions can strengthen the circularity and resilience of agricultural systems – improving productivity while reducing environmental impact.