Olds College Centre for Innovation (OCCI) at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology plays a key part in a national research program studying ways to reduce farm emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. Project data encompasses various crops, environments and regions, and results will potentially boost profits for farmers.

Olds College of Agriculture and Technology is assessing a machine that mimics lightning to create crop nutrients. The Thunder 365 allows farmers to make their own salt-free liquid fertilizer literally out of thin air. “The cost of fertilizers like urea and anhydrous ammonia has been extremely volatile, with prices peaking at historic highs in recent years,” said Angie Stoute, a research technician at Olds College. “If there’s a way to get that cost down, that’s a great thing.”