Sucking up CO2Fungal seed coatings that increase crop yields and soil carbon.
Big Picture
Modern agriculture can deplete soils of critical nutrients as well as carbon. Globally, there has been an estimated 60% loss of soil organic carbon. This is a major risk to farm fertility, as soil carbon influences the infiltration and retention of water, drives effective nutrient cycling, and limits topsoil loss. Restoring soil carbon is an agricultural imperative and an opportunity to absorb gigatons of atmospheric CO2.
How it Works
Soil Carbon Co. coats seeds in an endophytic fungi that promotes plant growth and enhances resilience against drought, disease, and high temperatures. This helps boost yields, directly supporting income for farmers. The endophytes play another role, producing stable forms of soil carbon that are less likely to break down, even when they’re exposed to water. As the plant grows, so do soil carbon levels.
Unfair Advantage
Microbial carbon removal promises to be among the most efficient ways of capturing CO2 because it requires no additional land, energy, or equipment. Its adoption doesn’t rely on carbon pricing or dramatic behavior changes, as coating seeds is a common practice. The direct outcome of removing CO2 from the atmosphere is restoring it in soils, boosting yields and soil health.
8.5
Gigatons of CO2e
potentially removed annually
GUY HUDSON CEO & CO-FOUNDER
Guy’s career has focused on clean technology and sustainability. His 12 years of work in climate is spread across startups, corporates and multilateral organisations like the UN and World Bank.
Follow: @GuyHudson
TEGAN NOCK CPO & CO-FOUNDER
Tegan is a sustainable agriculture practitioner with experience in national policy, research and development, and industry communications.
Follow: @TeganNock
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