<h1> NitroBLAST: Laying the foundation for nitrogen fixation.</h1>
<h2> The Nitrogen Crisis in the Netherlands </h2>
<h2>Background</h2>
<p>The Netherlands has been facing a pressing <strong>nitrogen crisis</strong> for several years. This crisis is largely attributed to the <strong>agriculture sector</strong>, with over 80% of ammonia (a nitrogenous compound) emissions coming from manure <ahref="#cite1">[1]</a> and chemical fertilizers <ahref="#cite2">[2]</a>.</p>
<p>The over-use of fertilizers has a detrimental effect on the environment through the deposition of excess nitrogen oxides and ammonia in the ground, excessively enriching the environment with nutrients promoting uncontrolled plant and algal growth, or eutrophication, a form of nutrient imbalance <ahref="#cite3">[3]</a> that negatively impacts the local biodiversity. This highlights the need of the hour: a solution for <strong>increasing global food supply while maintaining environmental standards</strong>.</p>