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Atmospheric CO2 sequestration in soil via increased wheat, maize, barkley root mass with natural, renewable, petroleum free, abiotic EPS


Description

Summary

Terrestrial and marine environments presently absorb about half the atmospheric CO2 (Schimel et al 2001), and soil contains at least twice the amount of carbon than is in the atmosphere (Batjes, 1996).  Researchers have identified soil carbon sequestration as a potential tool for reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide for many years.  Recent agricultural discoveries by Larson Growth Industries, US Army Corps and other companies have identified a means of greatly enhancing soil carbon sequestration in a low cost, cost neutral or possibly cost-negative manner with a minor change to current agricultural processes.

A patented industrial process for the production of rhyzobially based extracellular poly saccharides (EPS) has made it possible to geo-engineer agricultural systems such that atmospheric carbon dioxide is sequestered in soil.  (Patents: “Rhizobium tropici produced biopolymer salt” US 20130338003 A1 and “Soluble salt produced from a biopolymer and a process for producing the salt” US 7824569 B2”).   By combining modern bio-engineering with an understanding of the natural symbiotic relationship between plants and soil microbial communities in the rhizosphere, soils can be rapidly improved with regards to root structure, soil microbial activity and root carbon exudation all leading to increased soil carbon storage.  Amending agricultural soils and/or treating seeds with EPS produced in bioreactors will provide increased crop yields in addition to increased soil carbon storage.

This technology, applied globally, has the potential to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels to near the pre-industrialized state.  Costs associated with the production and use of the soil amendment/seed treatment can be offset and possible negated by increased crop yields and reduced crop loss.    Consequently, farmers will be motivated to increase profitability while simultaneously reducing atmospheric carbon without changing their favored agricultural practices.  Thus, economic, humanitarian, and environmental drivers work synergistically towards global adoption of a technology that combats global greenhouse gas effects.


Which proposals are included in your plan and how do they fit together?

We propose achieving significant atmospheric CO2 Soil Sequestration across the globe by selecting the top three agricultural crops from each region in the global competition.  We propose the eps soil amendment will substantially increase the root ball mass of the already industry established desirable agriculture species for each region.  Thus, our attempts at achieving global impact for green house gas change aligns itself with each regions desired economic interests.  In addition, our unique singular method for atmospheric C02 soil sequestration coupled with its limitless crop implementation capabilities allows our approach an unprecedented opportunity to benefit from industrial production synergy yet allows for a myriad of regional specific agricultural implementations.


Explanation of the emissions scenario calculated in the Impact tab


What are the plan’s key benefits?


What are the plan’s costs?


What are the key challenges to enacting this plan?


Timeline


Related plans


References