Sustainability

Envita_Logo_RGB_Colour

Systemic Nitrogen Fixation

In the Right Place at the Right Time.

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

Growers looking for ways to take advantage of carbon credits can with Envita

 

What are carbon credits?

Carbon credits are generated when eligible farmers document sustainability practices included as part of best practice protocols, including the Nitrogen Oxide Emission Reduction Protocol (NERP) Protocols, a science-based approach that gives farmers a new way of benefitting from reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. These practices earn farmers ‘carbon credits’. Carbon credits can then be sold back back to regulated industries to offset their emissions.

With carbon credits, farmers contribute to supporting global environmental standards, while earning cash back on those efforts. 

Key benefits include:

  • Reducing your farm’s carbon footprint
  • Aligning your farm with with global demand for better environmental practices
  • Discovering new efficiencies that save you time and money
  • Getting paid for implementing sustainable farming practice

 

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)

 

 

 

 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/