Groundbreaking Tests of Green Ammonia in Iowa
A pioneering field test is currently taking place in Boone, Iowa, led by Landus, the largest farmer-owned cooperative in the state, in partnership with Talusag, an agricultural technology and energy infrastructure firm. This initiative aims to assess North America's first commercially viable green ammonia fertilizer produced locally. This development is a significant step toward establishing green ammonia as a reliable and cost-effective fertilizer option for farmers across Iowa and beyond.
The ongoing project at the Boone site embodies a bold collaboration aimed at enhancing agricultural resilience. Sam Caton, Interim CEO and EVP of Sales at Landus, expressed the importance of local production, stating, "By producing fertilizer locally, we're giving farmers more control and reducing exposure to supply disruptions." This initiative not only encourages sustainable practices but also sets a standard for what can be achieved when technology, infrastructure, and agriculture converge effectively.
Looking to the future, a larger facility designed to produce 20 tons of green ammonia per day is under construction in Eagle Grove, Iowa. This expansion demonstrates a commitment to scaling this novel model, enhancing local agricultural systems. Hiro Iwanaga, co-founder and CEO of Talusag, described this local production model as pivotal in eliminating cumbersome supply chains, which have proven costly and unreliable. He stated, "By improving access to this critical raw material, we are helping local farmers ensure they have reliable access to what they need for their crops, independent of global market conditions."
Green ammonia, chemically identical to traditional anhydrous ammonia, boasts high nitrogen content and cost-effectiveness, making it especially beneficial for corn crops. The unique aspect of this fertilizer is its environmentally friendly production method, which harnesses on-site solar power, air, and water. This localized production empowers farmers by controlling costs more effectively and reducing reliance on expensive international suppliers.
Scott Ahrenholtz, Technical Agronomist at Landus, spoke about the significance of this trial, noting, "We're applying the same nitrogen that farmers know and trust, but with a new production model behind it. This trial allows us to see how green ammonia serves our soils, integrates into existing farming practices, and affects crop health and yields over time."
The planting process commenced during the week of April 14, marking this as the first corn crop in the U.S. to utilize American-made green ammonia fertilizer. Throughout the 2025 growing season, the performance of this test plot will be closely monitored, with evaluations against control strips employing traditional anhydrous ammonia. To engage the community further, Landus and Talusag plan to host field days showcasing the development of this initiative, providing opportunities for interested parties to learn more.
About Landus
Landus embodies a forward-thinking approach as a pivotal agriculture solutions provider, placing farmers at the core of each decision. The cooperative connects thousands of farmer-owned entities with the broader market through comprehensive grain, agronomy, and distribution services, leveraging both traditional and innovative methods committed to sustainability. With a robust business impact spanning across 34 states and 16 countries, Landus actively seeks to address key challenges faced by farmers today. For more insights into Landus and its commitment to future-ready solutions, visit
landus.ag.
About Talusag
Founded in 2021, Talusag is dedicated to revolutionizing agricultural practices through technology-driven solutions. As the creators of the first modular green ammonia production systems, Talusag aims to provide affordable fertilizers and fuels, striving to develop a reliable, globally distributed network of local production facilities. More information about Talusag can be found at
talusag.com.