By Robyn Joubert
A cutting-edge crop technology that converts a potent greenhouse gas pollutant into crop-friendly nitrates is putting a new spin on nitrogen management, helping farmers achieve higher yields with less synthetic nitrogen.
The R-Leaf technology from Crop Intellect is expected to be registered in South Africa by mid-2025 and will be distributed by Bancella through multiple retail channels. It is currently available in Zambia and Zimbabwe.
“We are eager to see how R-Leaf can transform agricultural practices across Southern Africa,” said Dr Apostolos Papadopoulos, Crop Intellect CEO and inventor of R-Leaf.
“R-Leaf has the potential to revolutionise nitrogen management and boost crop productivity. It goes beyond reducing nitrogen dependency. It actively breaks down N₂O, a potent greenhouse gas, leading to further reductions in the carbon footprint,” said Apostolos.
The product, developed with financial backing from InnovateUK and Breakthrough Energy Fellow, is applied as a foliar spray, ideally mixed in a tank with other inputs to save application costs.
Maize trials conducted by the Agricultural Research Trust in Zambia and ART Farm in Zimbabwe showed a 14% yield increase when the side dressing of synthetic nitrogen was reduced by 40%. R-Leaf supplies 50-80kg of nitrogen/ha over the growing season, and a 10-25% saving in synthetic nitrogen inputs, Apostolos said.
Yann Miege, Bancella head of marketing, said grower trials on maize and wheat were being conducted in South Africa by Chemical Research Technology (CRT).
“R-Leaf will primary be used in maize, sunflower, wheat and soya in South Africa. It is applied on maize at the four to six leaf stage, and at wheat at full tillering. Producers with small plots would apply it with knapsacks or gas spray equipment, while larger plots would require self- propelled or tractor-pulled boom sprayers,“ said Yann.
The product is easy to use and compatible with chemicals.
“The product is targeted at all farmers, regardless of the scale of their operation. Farmers do require a technical understanding of balancing nitrogen levels – of reducing synthetic nitrogen applications when R-Leaf is applied,” said Apostolos.
The product contains a patented photocatalyst which works more efficiently than a normal photocatalyst under normal daylight.
“Photocatalysis converts NOx air pollution to nitrate,” explains Apostolos. “The R-Leaf material specialises in that conversion and on average they produce over 500g of nitrate/day/ha. Light intensity plays a key role in the conversion efficiency. The product is ideal in Africa where there is ample sunlight,” said Apostolos.
For more, visit www.cropintellect.co.uk and www.bancella.com
