Sucking up CO2Fungal seed coatings that increase crop yields and soil carbon
Big Picture
Prevailing agricultural practices deplete soils of key nutrients, such as CO2. Globally, there has been an estimated 60% loss of soil organic carbon to the atmosphere. This is a major risk to farm fertility, as soil carbon influences the retention of water, drives nutrient cycling, and limits topsoil loss. It’s a major contributor to the UN’s finding that the world has as few as 60 good harvests left.
How it Works
Soil Carbon Co. coats seeds in an endophytic fungus that promotes plant growth and enhances resilience against drought, disease, and high temperatures. This significantly boosts yields, directly growing income for farmers. The endophytes play another role, making stable forms of carbon like aggregate and minerals that endure for hundreds if not thousands of years, reversing the loss of soil carbon.
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. Coating seeds is already 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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