a novel low cost method for reducing nitrate leaching in soil
Lead Research Organisation:
Rothamsted Research
Department Name: Sustainable Soils and Grassland Systems
Abstract
Biodiesel co-product (BCP) is a low value material, produced in large quantities when biodiesel is made (constituting about 15% of biodiesel by weight). Incorporation of this material into soil as an aqueous suspension has been found to dramatically lower the fertilizer losses which occur ubiquitously in soils with medium to high rainfall, and/or irrigated soils. This is done through immobilization of the most soluble form of nitrogen (nitrate), and thus embodies a novel application for BCP to maximise nutrient use-efficiency in soils. Until now, proof of concept has been successful at the laboratory scale. However, market research, and meetings with potential investors have conclusively identified a need for evidence at the farm-scale. Rothamsted is in need of research council support to provide the data which is vital for attracting further investment, and establishing a self-supporting enterprise with the potential commercial partners identified herein.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Keith Goulding (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Armenise E
(2013)
Developing a soil quality index to compare soil fitness for agricultural use under different managements in the Mediterranean environment
in Soil and Tillage Research
Redmile-Gordon M
(2014)
Measuring the soil-microbial interface: Extraction of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from soil biofilms
in Soil Biology and Biochemistry
Redmile-Gordon M
(2017)
Zinc toxicity stimulates microbial production of extracellular polymers in a copiotrophic acid soil.
in International biodeterioration & biodegradation
Redmile-Gordon MA
(2015)
Engineering soil organic matter quality: Biodiesel Co-Product (BCP) stimulates exudation of nitrogenous microbial biopolymers.
in Geoderma
Redmile-Gordon MA
(2015)
Soil organic matter and the extracellular microbial matrix show contrasting responses to C and N availability.
in Soil biology & biochemistry
Redmile-Gordon MA
(2013)
A comparison of two colorimetric assays, based upon Lowry and Bradford techniques, to estimate total protein in soil extracts.
in Soil biology & biochemistry
| Description | The research has developed a technology for reducing the losses of nitrate by leaching from arable land into watercourses and so reducing water pollution. The technology has been patented. |
| Exploitation Route | Through the patented technology. For obvious commercial reasons, full details cannot be provided but an outline is given in 'Narrative Impact'. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Environment |
| Description | The patented technology is being discussed with commercial companies for use in agriculture. IP has been granted in China and accepted Europe. We are preparing an application for Chinese Government funding to set up a company in China to develop organic soil amendments that also reduce N leaching. We are seeking biodiesel producers in China to partner with us in this. March 2017: patents have been renewed in Canada and Germany. A research paper is being written that examines the benefits of the technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2015 |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Environment |
| Impact Types | Societal,Economic,Policy & public services |
| Title | A METHOD OF REDUCING NITRATE LEACHING FROM SOIL |
| Description | This invention relates to uses of waste products obtained when biodiesel is generated for reducing nitrate leaching from soil. |
| IP Reference | CA2769543 |
| Protection | Patent granted |
| Year Protection Granted | 2011 |
| Licensed | Commercial In Confidence |
| Impact | The research clearly shows that it is possible to reduce the losses of nitrate to waters, and thus reduce water pollution, through a low-cost recycling technology |
| Title | A method of reducing nitrate leaching from soil |
| Description | A method of decreasing nitrate leaching from soil by applying a co-product (or by-product) generated in the production of biodiesel. The biodiesel is ideally produced by the transesterification of triglycerides and the co-product or waste product from the reaction ideally comprises 20 to 70% carbon and is water soluble. The co-product may include 10-90% glycerol. Prior to application to the soil, the pH of the co-product may be decreased to 6.5-10, usually with phosphoric acid. A method of disposing of waste from biodiesel production by applying the co-product to soil and a method of improving soil quality by applying biodiesel co-product to the soil is also included. |
| IP Reference | GB2475753 |
| Protection | Patent granted |
| Year Protection Granted | 2011 |
| Licensed | Commercial In Confidence |
| Impact | The research clearly shows that it is possible to reduce the losses of nitrate to waters, and thus reduce water pollution, through a low-cost recycling technology. |
| Title | A method of reducing nitrate leaching from soil |
| Description | This invention relates to uses of waste products obtained when biodiesel is generated for reducing nitrate leaching from soil. |
| IP Reference | AU2010280538 |
| Protection | Patent granted |
| Year Protection Granted | 2012 |
| Licensed | Commercial In Confidence |
| Impact | The research clearly shows that it is possible to reduce the losses of nitrate to waters, and thus reduce water pollution, through a low-cost recycling technology. |
| Title | A method of reducing nitrate leaching in soil (EU) |
| Description | A method of reducing nitrate leaching in soil (EU) |
| IP Reference | P-16028S-EP |
| Protection | Patent granted |
| Year Protection Granted | 2015 |
| Licensed | Commercial In Confidence |
| Impact | The research clearly shows that it is possible to reduce the losses of nitrate to waters, and thus reduce water pollution, through a low-cost recycling technology |
| Title | A method to reduce nitrogen leaching from soils |
| Description | As described for other international territories |
| IP Reference | China; 2010800432363 |
| Protection | Patent granted |
| Year Protection Granted | 2015 |
| Licensed | Commercial In Confidence |
| Impact | The research clearly shows that it is possible to reduce the losses of nitrate to waters, and thus reduce water pollution, through a low-cost recycling technology |
| Description | A novel low-cost method for reducing nitrate leaching |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | regional |
| Primary Audience | Participants in your research or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | The general principles of the method were demonstrated to farmers, agronomists and interested potential commercial partners at the 'Cereals' KT event held at Boothby Graffoe, Lincolnshire, on 12 and 13 June 2013. The demonstration was at the joint BBSRC-Rothamsted-John Innes Centre exhibit at 'Cereals'. Posters no actual impacts realised to date |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |