Adopt low-emission fertilizer strategies

The production of conventional nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizers is energy-intensive and a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrous oxide (N₂O).

There are various low-emission fertilizer strategies that reduce these emissions by using cleaner production technologies, renewable energy, alternative feedstocks, or carbon capture and utilization. These innovations lower the carbon footprint of the fertilizer itself.

By switching to low-emission strategies, projects can reduce upstream emissions from fertilizer manufacturing and contribute to a broader shift toward decarbonized agricultural supply chains. When combined with efficient application practices, the impact on both production and field-level emissions can be substantial.

This methodology supports projects that replace conventional NPK fertilizers with certified low-emission strategies in managed soils. It applies globally and can be used for both offsetting and insetting projects. For insetting, direct mitigation within a company’s value chain is preferred, but indirect mitigation may be acceptable if it contributes to long-term value chain transformation.

This methodology quantifies the impact of adopting low-emission strategies in fertilizer production. It is designed specifically for GHG Projects that focus on constructing new fertilizer production facilities (greenfield) or upgrading existing production facilities to produce low-carbon inorganic fertilizers, based on nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium (NPK).

For more information on the background and development of this methodology, check out our Fertilizer Webinar Blog, where you can also watch our webinar.

Contact us via hello@proba.earth if you want to start a GHG project.