Bion Nitrogen Fertilizer Earns OMRI Listing for Organic Use
- 28-Aug-2024 6:36 PM
- Journalist: Motoki Sasaki
Bion Environmental Technologies, Inc. (BNET), a pioneer in sustainable livestock production, has achieved a significant milestone. The company's commercial 10-0-0 nitrogen fertilizer has been officially certified for use in organic agriculture, expanding its market reach and reinforcing its commitment to environmentally friendly solutions.
Bion’s patented Ammonia Recovery System (ARS) revolutionizes nitrogen fertilizer production by capturing and repurposing nitrogen from livestock manure and organic waste streams. This advanced technology transforms what would otherwise be lost nitrogen into a stable, concentrated liquid fertilizer suitable for certified organic agriculture, including fruits, vegetables, and grains. The ARS ensures superior nutrient control and recovery, addressing environmental concerns associated with traditional organic fertilizers.
This innovative approach offers significant environmental benefits, including a reduction in the carbon footprint of organic farming and a decrease in nitrogen runoff and off-gassing. By protecting surface waters, aquifers, and the atmosphere, the ARS also enhances soil microbial health and narrows the yield gap between organic and conventional crops.
The ARS-produced nitrogen fertilizer aligns with the 4Rs of nutrient management—right rate, right source, right placement, and right timing. Its pathogen-free nature allows for versatile application methods such as drip systems, field irrigation, soil injection, side dressing, and foliar spraying, without the risks associated with manure. Additionally, the separation of nitrogen from other minerals in manure enables precise nutrient management and promotes soil health.
Bion plans to target several key markets with its OMRI Listed fertilizers, including high-value specialty crops, organic corn side dressing, and hydroponic and greenhouse applications. The company also anticipates demand in regions utilizing cover crops to enhance soil health and carbon sequestration, and is exploring opportunities in regenerative practices, such as fertilized pastures for cattle grazing.
Turk Stovall, CEO of Stovall Ranching Companies, highlighted that Bion’s cutting-edge manure management technology represents a major advancement in circular agriculture. By closing the nitrogen cycle gap and enhancing precision nutrient management, the system supports water recycling in finishing operations and generates renewable energy to fully power the ranch. This efficient use of resources will enable more effective cattle raising and farming. Stovall expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with organic farmers to leverage these innovations and boost organic production in Montana and beyond.
Bion Environmental Technologies' Ammonia Recovery System offers a sustainable solution for managing animal manure and organic waste. By converting these waste streams into organic, low-carbon nitrogen fertilizer products and clean water, the system supports the Gen3Tech system. This innovative approach minimizes environmental impacts from CAFO/livestock operations, generates renewable energy, enhances resource efficiency, and produces the most eco-friendly finished beef on the market.