A groundbreaking trial aiming to explore the potential benefits of using R-Leaf, a photocatalytic material designed to convert air pollution into fertilizer for plants, is currently underway in the UK. Initiated in February 2024, this innovative project is being conducted on wheat and barley at Dyson Farming. The year-long endeavor seeks to assess the effectiveness of R-Leaf in enhancing crop yield while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gases.
R-Leaf, developed by Crop Intellect, is a foliar application in the form of a suspension concentrate containing titanium dioxide (TiO2). When sprayed on crops, the TiO2 is activated by sunlight, breaking down harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) into nitrates. These nitrates are then absorbed by the plants, particularly during the early morning when dew or moisture is present. This process not only provides essential nutrients to the crops but also offers a slow release of nitrates, ensuring effective nutrient uptake over time.
The benefits of R-Leaf are multifaceted. It has been shown to compensate for a reduction of 30-50 kilograms of synthetic fertilizer per hectare while maintaining, and in some cases, increasing crop yields by 5-10%. Additionally, R-Leaf contributes to a significant reduction in greenhouse gases, removing approximately 5.4 tons of CO2 equivalent per hectare annually. This dual advantage of enhancing crop growth and mitigating environmental impact positions R-Leaf as a promising solution for sustainable agriculture.
Alvaro Montero Bockos, Chief Operating Officer and Sustainability Lead at Crop Intellect, elaborated on the trial’s objectives and methodology. “The trials are part of a collaboration with Dyson Farming in an Innovate UK-funded project through the Farming Innovation Programme,” he stated. “Our aim is to evaluate the performance of R-Leaf in removing a potent greenhouse gas, N2O, from the air when applied to crops.”
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a significant contributor to global warming, with a global warming potential approximately 300 times greater than that of CO2. By breaking down NOx gases into nitrates, R-Leaf not only provides essential nutrients to crops but also reduces the concentration of N2O in the atmosphere. “During the trial, we used two liters of R-Leaf per hectare, applied in two separate one-liter treatments,” Montero Bockos explained. “We recommend T1 and T2 application timings for cereals.”
The trial involves taking air samples from both the treated and control fields to measure the concentration of N2O. “The ongoing trials are focused on wheat and barley, but we anticipate extending them to other crops in the future,” Montero Bockos added. “We expect to see a reduction in N2O concentration in the treated fields compared to the untreated ones.”
The implications of this trial are profound. If successful, R-Leaf could revolutionize the agricultural sector by providing a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This would not only benefit farmers by improving crop yields and reducing input costs but also contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
As the trial progresses, the agricultural community and environmentalists alike will be keenly observing the results. The potential of R-Leaf to transform air pollution into a valuable resource for crops while mitigating environmental impact underscores the innovative spirit driving modern agritech solutions.