March 23, 2021: Raleigh, NC: 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/ton of CO2 equivalent (CO2e). 

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

An Envita-treated corn field producing a yield of 200 bushels per acre equals 5 tons of corn per ac. At a CO2 reduction rate of 65 kg (143 pounds) per ton of corn, this field would provide a reduction of 325 kg (715 pounds) of CO2 per ac.  That’s 1/3 of a ton 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)