Commercialization of Alternative Soil Amendments for Agricultural Use as a Nature Based Solution

Abstract

Agricultural crop production is responsible for a significant quantity of global greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing agricultural climate impact depends largely on reducing fertilizer inputs and finding suitable alternatives. This project took a two-phase approach. First, identifying farm-level use cases for alternative soil amendments, defining farmer needs & perceptions, and developing a framework to screen viable products while maximizing carbon credits for the client. Second, building a go-to-market strategy for an alternative soil amendment once the product is identified. This project drew data primarily from interviews across stakeholders including farmers, agronomists, academic researchers, investors, and distributors in the value chain. The study generated insights into the economic, MRV (measurement, reporting, and verification), and market hurdles that the client would need to address when selecting and launching a carbon-sequestering or emissions avoiding soil amendment. The study also provides recommendations to mitigate these market challenges.