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).

Low-carbon fertilizers 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, while maintaining agronomic performance in terms of crop yield and nutrient delivery.

By switching to low-carbon alternatives, 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-carbon alternatives 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 serves as a guide for evaluating the impact of adopting more sustainable practices in fertilizer production on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to a baseline scenario. 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).

If you're interested in the impact of low-carbon fertilizers on Scope 3 emissions, visit our agri-food industry page. For more information on the background and development of this methodology, check out our Fertilizer Webinar Blog, where you can also watch our webinar.

Let us know if you have questions via hello@proba.earth or leave your contact details if you want to start a GHG project. 

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