Biological Nitrogen Fixation (Inoculants)

Instead of applying synthetic nitrogen fertilizer (made from natural gas via the Haber-Bosch process), Brazilian soybean farmers coat seeds with Bradyrhizobium bacteria that form root nodules and convert atmospheric nitrogen into plant-available form. The inoculation costs R$8/hectare versus R$906/hectare for equivalent synthetic fertilizer.

Across 27.7 million hectares, this saves Brazil approximately $10.3 billion annually in fertilizer imports and reduces greenhouse gas emissions from both fertilizer production and application. The technology was highlighted by Nature as a model for sustainable intensification.

The significance extends beyond cost savings. Brazil's soybean industry — the world's largest — operates with minimal dependence on synthetic nitrogen, a petrochemical product subject to price spikes and supply disruptions. During the 2022 fertilizer crisis triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Brazilian soybean farmers were largely insulated.