Transforming farm waste into eco-friendly fertilizer and renewable fuel

Clemson University scientist develops system to help farmers and protect the planet

Scientist Brian Ward of Clemson University’s Coastal Research and Education Center is working on a project that could not only change how we think about agricultural waste, but also help the planet in the process.

The system Ward is developing transforms leftover farm materials like the waste protein in distiller grains into eco-friendly fertilizer and renewable fuel, offering offer farmers a cleaner, more affordable way to nourish crops while reducing pollution and dependence on petroleum-based products.

Traditional fertilizer production is energy-intensive and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. But Ward’s approach, which uses natural bacteria to create ammonia-based fertilizer from protein-rich waste like vegetable scraps and other byproducts, works to protect the planet from climate change with its efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

“We’re turning waste into something valuable,” said Ward, noting that the technology “could reshape agriculture” as well as help farmers and support the organic food market.

Unfolding in stages, Ward’s project—aiming eventually for commercial production—is starting with lab testing and scaling up to a pilot system, and is so far showing promising results.

Source: Clemson University

To view source article, visit:

https://news.clemson.edu/turning-farm-waste-into-a-greener-future/

Organic & Non-GMO Insights October 2025