Using FabaStym and BactoRolNitrogen to Get the Most Out of the Exchange Market Program
The agriculture world is feeling the heat to go green while still producing food. The Soil Association’s Exchange Market program is a great chance for farmers to receive some cash for cutting down greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By bringing in microbiological solutions like FabaStym and BactoRol Nitrogen, farmers can not only pump up soil health and yield but also hit those emission reduction targets that the Exchange Market is all about. This article dives into how these game-changing products can be used effectively, especially focusing on Tier 3 farms and those with above-average emissions.
The Exchange Market Program: A Quick Overview
The Exchange Market is all about giving farmers a boost to cut down on GHG emissions by rewarding them for measurable cuts based on verified checks. For instance, farmers can get £60 for every tonne of CO2e they reduce, with half of the payment coming upfront and the rest after verification. Plus, the program keeps things rolling with annual rewards and offers maintenance payments to farms already below the usual emissions levels.
On the flip side, farms in the Tier 3 category (those with higher emissions) or those over the industry baselines have their own set of hurdles. Tier 3 farms often use high input systems, which makes cutting emissions trickier. Also, farms that exceed the baseline emissions don’t get maintenance payments but can really gain from strategies to reduce emissions, like switching up fertilizers and optimizing nitrogen—two areas where FabaStym and BactoRol Nitrogen can shine.
FabaStym and BactoRol Nitrogen: Eco-Friendly Solutions for Cutting Down GHGs
FabaStym: The Magic of Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation
FabaStym is packed with friendly bacteria that team up with the roots of legumes like faba beans, clover, and soy. These bacteria take nitrogen from the air and make it available for plants, which helps cut back on the need for chemical fertilizers. Here are some of the cool benefits:
- Less Dependence on Synthetic Fertilizers: FabaStym can fix up to 500 kg of nitrogen per hectare each year, greatly lowering the need for chemical nitrogen fertilizers.
- Better Soil Health: Higher nitrogen levels help future crops thrive, and the root structures improve the soil’s quality.
- Stress Resistance: This partnership boosts plant strength against environmental challenges, leading to steady yields.
BactoRol Nitrogen: Tapping into Non-Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation
BactoRol Nitrogen uses a mix of non-symbiotic bacteria, like Bacillus species and Azotobacter vinelandii, to help with nitrogen fixation in all kinds of crops. Unlike FabaStym, BactoRol is super versatile and works great for field crops, veggies, and orchards.
Here are some of its key perks:
20-30% Fertilizer Savings: By fixing 35-50 kg of nitrogen per hectare each year, BactoRol cuts down on the need for mineral fertilizers while still keeping your yields up.
Adaptability: You can spray it on the soil before planting, which makes it fit well with various farming styles.
Ease of Use: No activation needed, and it fits right into your regular farming routine.
Case Study Applications: Getting in Sync with the Exchange Market
Example 1: Farm Doing Better Than Average
Profile: Picture a 500-hectare farm that’s dealing with emissions between 1.8 to 2.05 tCO2e/ha, and is looking into crop rotations and swapping out fertilizers.
Proposed Measures:
1. Legume Fallow with FabaStym:
– By adding legumes like faba beans into the crop mix and treating the seeds with FabaStym, this farm can fix around 500 kg of nitrogen per hectare. This move cuts down on the need for synthetic fertilizers and boosts soil nitrogen for future crops.
– Emissions Impact: Using less synthetic nitrogen means a big drop in nitrous oxide emissions, which is a major greenhouse gas.
– Yield Benefits: More nitrogen in the soil helps keep yields steady, even when conditions get tough.
2. Swapping Fertilizer for BactoRol Nitrogen: Spraying BactoRol Nitrogen on the soil before planting lets farms cut back on some synthetic fertilizers by using natural nitrogen instead. It can fix 35-50 kg of nitrogen per hectare, boosting those high-yield farms while saving some cash.o Emissions Impact: Cutting fertilizer use by 20-30% means less CO2e emissions from making and applying it.
Expected Results:
Money Benefit: £60 for every ton of CO2e cut down, plus you get the perks of healthier soil and lower fertilizer expenses.
Eco-Friendly: Using FabaStym and BactoRol together boosts how well nitrogen is used, matching up the farm’s methods with Exchange Market targets.
Example 2: Tier 3 Farm (Above Average Emissions)
Profile: We’ve got a 350-hectare farm that’s using a lot of fertilizer and exceeding emissions over 2.05 tCO2e/ha. Nitrogen-reduction tactics that are recommended to try are variable-rate application and companion cropping.
Proposed Measures:
1. Companion Cropping with FabaStym: – By adding nitrogen-fixing companion crops like clover or vetch, which are treated with FabaStym, into the current rotation with oilseed rape, they can cut down on synthetic nitrogen and boost soil nitrogen levels. – Emissions Impact: Using less artificial fertilizer helps lower nitrous oxide emissions and improves carbon capture thanks to better soil structure. – Productivity Gains: These companion crops are great for biodiversity and soil health, making the farm more resilient in the long run.
2. Variable-Rate Fertilization with BactoRol Nitrogen: – By mixing BactoRol Nitrogen into a variable-rate application system, they can optimize how nitrogen is delivered, cutting down on waste and emissions. Plus, the microbes ensure a steady nitrogen supply all growing season long. – Emissions Impact: Better nitrogen use means less leaching and volatilization, which helps shrink the farm’s overall greenhouse gas emissions footprint.
Projected Outcomes:
Eligibility for Rewards: Even though the farm doesn’t qualify for maintenance payments, it can still rake in some nice financial perks thanks to the 60 per tonne incentive.
Cost Savings: Using less synthetic fertilizer means lower operating costs while keeping the yields up.
Environmental Impact: Switching to microbiological fertilizers is great for long-term soil health and boosts biodiversity.
The Bigger Picture of Microbiological Fertilizers
Using FabaStym and BactoRol Nitrogen is about more than just cutting emissions. These products play a big role in overall sustainability by:
– Boosting Soil Health: Biological nitrogen fixation helps enrich the soil’s organic matter and structure, leading to better productivity over tim
– Encouraging Biodiversity: Microbial inoculants help create diverse soil ecosystems, which makes the farm more resilient against pests and diseases.
– Cutting Down Water Pollution: Using fewer fertilizers means less nitrate and phosphate runoff, which keeps nearby water bodies safe from pollution.
– Aligning with Policy Goals: These practices help meet EU Green Deal targets, making farms stand out as champions of sustainable agriculture.
Summary
The Exchange Market program is a game-changer for farmers looking to boost their finances while also doing their part for the planet. By using FabaStym and BactoRol Nitrogen, farmers can enjoy the perks of better productivity and lower greenhouse gas emissions at the same time. For Tier 3 farms and those with higher than average emissions, these cool microbiological solutions offer real ways to tackle challenges, make the most of their resources, and stay ahead in the push for a greener farming future. The road to low-emission farming is totally doable and super rewarding, thanks to the combo of smart products and innovative programs like the Exchange Market.
