TIME’s annual list of the Best Inventions highlights transformative products across sectors, and the N-OVATOR program’s inclusion underscores its pioneering role in agricultural sustainability. This recognition reflects a growing awareness of environmental concerns tied to nitrogen use, a critical nutrient in modern agriculture but also a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution.
How N-OVATOR® Works
Pivot Bio’s N-OVATOR program utilizes proprietary microbial technology to provide nitrogen directly to crops. The microbes in the product colonize the plant roots, where they work in symbiosis with the plant to supply nitrogen throughout the growing season. This method is not only more efficient but also reduces the nitrogen that would otherwise volatilize into the atmosphere or leach into water sources.
While carbon dioxide often dominates discussions on greenhouse gases, nitrous oxide (N₂O) is the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture and ranks as the third largest source globally. Many companies, however, struggle to reduce their scope 3 N₂O emissions—indirect emissions from sources beyond their direct operations or energy consumption.
“These changes have to happen at the farm. A grain company doesn’t directly engage with farms or sell crop inputs or fertilizers. They need a partner to bridge that gap.”
Pivot Bio’s N-OVATOR program facilitates this connection by linking companies like Nestlé and Heineken, who seek to reduce upstream emissions, with growers interested in using Pivot Bio’s nitrogen-fixing, microbe-based products as an alternative to polluting synthetic fertilizers. Through N-OVATOR, companies can purchase nitrogen credits, and farmers who verify and adopt these sustainable practices earn financial rewards.
Read more: Pivot Bio to Launch Eco-Friendly Nitrogen Technology in Brazil
As the first tech platform dedicated to N₂O in-setting, N-OVATOR focuses on reducing emissions within the supply chain itself, rather than merely offsetting emissions through unrelated projects. The platform also empowers growers with data to measure and verify their emissions reductions. By February, farmers had received over $6 million in payments through the program, and in 2023 alone, they replaced more than 16,500 tons of synthetic fertilizers across 800,000 acres.
Environmental Benefits and Reduced Emissions
Synthetic nitrogen fertilizers have long been a staple in agriculture; however, their overuse has had considerable environmental repercussions. When excess nitrogen isn’t absorbed by plants, it contributes to pollution in the form of nitrous oxide emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. By replacing or supplementing synthetic fertilizers, N-OVATOR helps reduce this environmental impact, promoting a more eco-friendly farming approach.
Enhanced Crop Yield and Farmer Profitability
Beyond the environmental advantages, Pivot Bio’s N-OVATOR has shown promise in improving crop yields. By providing a consistent and reliable source of nitrogen, this microbial solution can lead to healthier plants and, consequently, better harvests. For farmers, this means potential cost savings on traditional fertilizers and increased profitability through higher yields.
Recognition of Innovation
TIME’s Best Inventions list is a prestigious honor that celebrates innovations improving lives and addressing key issues. N-OVATOR’s inclusion highlights its relevance in a world increasingly prioritizing climate-smart agriculture. Pivot Bio’s achievement sets a precedent for future advancements in agricultural technology, encouraging further investment and research in sustainable solutions.
A Look Ahead: Scaling Sustainable Nitrogen
The success of Pivot Bio’s N-OVATOR program may inspire similar advancements in the field of sustainable agriculture. As more farmers adopt this technology, it could lead to significant reductions in synthetic nitrogen usage globally. This shift would represent a monumental change in agricultural practices, potentially ushering in a new era of eco-friendly farming that meets the demands of both yield and environmental responsibility.
With its innovative approach, N-OVATOR stands as a testament to the potential of biotechnology in addressing global agricultural challenges. Its inclusion in TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024 highlights a promising direction for the future of farming, where sustainability and productivity can coexist.
