BASF has taken a significant step in the realm of sustainable agriculture with the launch of xarvio® BIOENERGY in the United States, a program designed to lower carbon intensity (CI) levels in corn cultivated for ethanol biofuel production. This innovative initiative aims to transform the biofuel production supply chain, providing growers, retail agronomists, and biorefineries with a comprehensive solution that not only enhances operational efficiency but also aligns with environmental sustainability goals.
At the heart of xarvio BIOENERGY lies a digitally enabled framework that allows stakeholders to lower, track, and verify carbon intensity levels effectively. The program adheres to the U.S. Department of Energy’s GREET® model, which evaluates greenhouse gas emissions and energy use in various technologies. By complying with this standardized approach, participants can not only improve their business performance but also access government incentives aimed at reducing carbon footprints and fostering sustainable practices.
One of the standout features of xarvio BIOENERGY is its integration with xarvio® FIELD MANAGER, a platform that leverages advanced agronomic intelligence to deliver tailored recommendations. These insights are field and field-zone specific, addressing critical aspects such as seeding rates, fertilizer application, and crop protection strategies—all directly linked to carbon intensity reduction. The goal is to optimize input efficiency while maintaining plant health and maximizing yields.
The backbone of this precision agriculture initiative is the Agronomic Decision Engine (ADE), which employs machine learning-based models to provide real-time, locally calibrated advice. By analyzing a wealth of data—including historical farm records, soil quality, current satellite imagery, and local weather patterns—the ADE continuously refines its recommendations. This dynamic approach ensures that farmers receive actionable insights tailored to their unique agricultural conditions, thereby enhancing sustainability.
Moreover, xarvio BIOENERGY facilitates the creation of variable application maps for seeding, fertilizers, and crop protection tasks. These maps identify the areas within a field that hold the greatest yield potential, allowing for targeted interventions. The integration with farm machinery ensures that these applications are executed precisely, with all actions automatically recorded. This level of precision not only optimizes resource use but also enhances compliance and traceability, crucial elements in a landscape increasingly focused on environmental responsibility.
A notable aspect of the program is its emphasis on transparency and verification. Carbon intensity levels are monitored and verified by an independent consultancy, ensuring adherence to the U.S. Government’s 45-z Clean Fuel Production Credit. This independent verification adds a layer of credibility to the sustainability claims made by participants in the program.
The xarvio FIELD MANAGER platform also includes a specialized reporting dashboard under the new Sustainability tab, which is particularly beneficial for retail agronomists managing multiple clients. This dashboard tracks carbon intensity scores throughout the growing season, providing real-time insights into program progress, input utilization, and overall corn production. At the end of the season, this documented data can be shared with biofuel refineries participating in the program, creating a seamless flow of information across the supply chain.
Kyle King, U.S. Commercial Lead for xarvio Digital Farming Solutions, emphasizes the program’s potential impact: “xarvio BIOENERGY is an innovative program using the advanced agronomic intelligence of xarvio FIELD MANAGER with robust data verification. It offers a quality assured, turnkey solution for key players in the biofuel production industry.” He highlights the program’s dual benefits of reducing carbon intensity levels while enhancing sustainability in agriculture and road transport.
With xarvio BIOENERGY now available in the U.S., BASF is poised to make a significant contribution to the decarbonization of the agricultural sector. This initiative not only aligns with government sustainability goals but also sets a precedent for how technology can be harnessed to meet the pressing challenges of climate change while optimizing agricultural productivity.