Sucking up CO2Farm-to-bank carbon removal.
Big Picture
Prevailing agricultural practices deplete soils of key nutrients, such as CO₂. Globally, this has resulted in an estimated 60% loss of soil organic carbon to the atmosphere. This represents a major risk to farm fertility, as soil carbon influences the retention of water, drives nutrient cycling, and limits topsoil loss. It’s also a major contributor to the UN’s finding that the world has as few as 60 good harvests left.
How it Works
Loam coats seeds in an endophytic fungus that promotes plant growth and enhances resilience against drought, disease, and high temperatures. This significantly boosts yields, directly growing income for farmers. The endophytes play another role, making stable forms of carbon like aggregate and minerals that endure for hundreds if not thousands of years, reversing the loss of soil carbon.
Unfair Advantage
Microbial carbon removal promises to be among the most efficient ways of capturing CO₂ because it requires no additional land, energy, or equipment. Its adoption doesn’t rely on carbon pricing or dramatic behavior changes. Coating seeds is already a common practice. The direct outcome of removing CO₂ from the atmosphere is restoring it in soils, boosting yields and soil health.
8.5
Gigatons of CO₂e
potentially removed annually
GUY HUDSON CEO & CO-FOUNDER
Guy’s career has focused on clean technology and sustainability across startups, corporates, and multilaterals like the UN and World Bank.
TEGAN NOCK COO & CO-FOUNDER
Tegan is a sustainable agriculture practitioner with experience in policy, research and development, and industry communications.
Fungi are humble heroes in the climate war
Wired
Loam Bio brings new carbon opportunities to the U.S.
Fast Company
Successful Farming Loam Bio Raises $75m, Launches Tools to Enhance Soil Carbon Capture
AgFunder News