Publications

Humate's Role in Terrestrial Greenhouse Gas and Water Reduction

Dwyer, Brian P.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is considered the sole culprit for global warming; however, nitrous oxide (N₂O), a greenhouse gas (GHG) with approximately 300 times more global warming potential than CO₂, accounts for 6% of the GHG emissions in the United States. Seventy five percent of N₂O emissions come from synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizer usage in the agriculture sector primarily due to excess fertilization. Numerous studies have shown that changes in soil management practices, specifically optimizing N fertilizer use and amending soil with organic and humate materials can reverse soil damage and improve a farmer's or land reclamation company's balance sheet. Soil restoration is internationally recognized as one of the lowest cost GHG abatement opportunities available. Profitability improves in two ways: (1) lower operating costs resulting from lower input costs (water and fertilizer); and (2) increased revenue by participation in emerging GHG offsets markets, and water quality trading markets.