Carbon study shows CO2 emission reductions up to 65 Kg/tonne of corn with Envita

Date:03-25-2021

A greenhouse gas impact study commissioned by Azotic North America the manufacturers of Envita nitrogen fixing bacteria, indicates that significant carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission reductions can be obtained through using Envita. In addition to providing increased yields to crops via N-Fixation, the study conducted by an independent third party, shows the use of Envita may qualify for significant carbon credits through its use.

How much is Envita worth in carbon credits?

The greenhouse gas impact study shows Envita N-fixing bacteria reduces carbon footprint in corn while increasing yields. Market conditions ultimately dictate what a carbon credit is worth. Current carbon pricing ranges between $18 to $30/tonne CO₂ equivalent (CO2e). 

Here’s how Envita would return using $20 per metric tonne (or CO2e) per carbon credit.

An Envita-treated corn field producing a yield of 200 bushels per acre equals 5 tonnes of corn per ac.  At a CO₂ reduction rate of 65 Kg per tonne of corn, this field would provide a reduction of 325 kg of CO₂ per ac.  That’s 1/3 of a tonne of CO₂ reduced per acre by using Envita. You could receive $6.25/ac in carbon credits by using Envita.  

Grower Returns improve as the carbon market increases. 

“Sustainability in agriculture has quickly evolved from a topic of interest to a top priority,” explains Ray Chyc CEO of Azotic North America and Azotic Technologies, “These are early days in the monetization of carbon in everyday farming, but it won’t be long before carbon is factored in with equal focus as seed, fertilizer and inputs.  We are excited to see the carbon offsets that Envita can bring to crops like corn and are working with experts in the carbon markets to determine how to turn the Envita carbon credit story into real dollars in farmers pockets.”

Why does Envita have such a significant impact on the carbon footprint?

Envita N-fixing bacteria is applied in-furrow or as a foliar spray and enables cells throughout the entire plant to fix their own nitrogen. Envita naturally metabolizes N directly from the air, which is 78% nitrogen. The plant, drawing more N from the atmosphere, also pulls additional CO₂ from the atmosphere as part of photosynthesis, which reduces the carbon footprint of that crop, leading to carbon credits.

Farmers using Envita to reduce applied nitrogen while maintaining yields increase their carbon credit potential even more. The combination of using less fertilizer and the process of pulling N from the atmosphere improves the crop’s carbon score. 

Study shows Envita gives growers a choice

The greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from producing most crops have three primary components, the emissions from on farm energy consumption, the emissions from the manufacturing of fertilizers, and the nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions associated with the decomposition of nitrogenous fertilizers and crops residues. The proportion of the three components varies with the crop and the producing region. The last component, the N₂O emissions, is generally the largest of the three components for most crops. Growers earn credits for using the same rates of applied nitrogen with Envita or earn more with a reduction in applied nitrogen.

Azotic North America has undertaken field trials on a number of crops through North America. Azotic Technologies have undertaken similar work in Europe. The field trials suggest that Envita™ could be employed with two different strategies.

 1.  In one approach it would be used with normal fertilization practices to achieve higher crop yields. (Table ES-1)

 2.  In the second approach, nitrogen fertilizer rates would be reduced but normal yields would be achieved with Envita™ supplying the plant with the remainder of its nitrogen requirements. (Tables ES-3)

For more information contact:

Mary Fearon, Director Communications

Azotic North America

maryfearon@azotic-na.com

289-440-2654

About the Envita Carbon Study

The GHG emission calculations in this report follow the IPCC guidelines and use the regional N₂O emission factors developed by Agriculture and AgriFood Canada. All of the carbon footprint standards and protocols outline specific inclusions and exclusions to be included in the system boundaries. For this work the system boundary for all product systems includes; 1) The seeds, fertilizers and pesticides acquired and applied to the soil and plants, including the GHG emissions associated with the production, transportation and application of these crop inputs, 2) The fuel and energy consumed in the field work (tillage, seeding, fertilizing, spraying, and harvesting activities) and the transportation of the product from the field to the on farm storage bin. This includes the emissions associated with the production and use of the energy products, and, 3) The emissions from the decomposition of the applied fertilizer products and the crop residues that are left on the field after harvesting the grains and oilseeds. Changes in soil carbon resulting from changes in land management are excluded from this work. The high yield scenario should produce more biomass and potentially could lead to increased soil carbon, but this will be site dependent and dependent on the past and present tillage practices.

About the global climate change initiative

To learn more about the history and focus of global climate change initiatives, the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC), the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change, provides more information. The IPCC was created to provide policymakers with regular scientific assessments on climate change, its implications and potential future risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation options. Visit https://www.ipcc.ch/

About Envita

Envita is a naturally-occurring, food grade microbe that provides plants with the ability to fix their own nitrogen from the air replacing an average of 27% of their nitrogen needs in corn.  When applied in furrow or on seed, Envita grows with the plant, metabolizing nitrogen from the atmosphere which is 78% nitrogen. Growers can choose to use Envita with their regular fertility program for a yield boost or deliver same yields using less nitrogen.  “Row crop farmers are quite familiar with the natural nitrogen fixing abilities of crops like soybeans.  Now imagine that crops like corn can also fix nitrogen on their own and not just in the roots – throughout the entire plant, all season long.  It’s like turning crops into nitrogen-fixing machines,” says John Squire, Lead Agronomist North America, Azotic.  “Whether farmers are looking to boost their yields, reduce their nitrogen, or both, Envita provides options.”

About Azotic North America

Azotic North America was formed to introduce this natural nitrogen-fixing technology to farmers in North America. With a North American offices in Raleigh, North Carolina, Guelph, Ontario and a global office in Nottingham, UK, Azotic has taken more than 20 years of academic research and created the first large scale, commercially available nitrogen-fixation product and is now offering it to farmers across the globe.   Finally, there is no compromise between high yield production agriculture and nitrogen sustainability.