SoilCQuest Company Profile

Background

SoilCQuest, established in 2012 by agronomist Guy Webb and farmers Mick Wettenhall and Mark Shortis, is an Australian not-for-profit research institute dedicated to enhancing soil carbon sequestration. The organization's mission is to develop and implement technologies and systems that enable farmers to increase soil organic carbon, thereby improving soil fertility, productivity, and resilience. By focusing on the pivotal role of soil carbon in agricultural systems, SoilCQuest aims to address climate change challenges while promoting sustainable farming practices.

Key Strategic Focus

SoilCQuest's strategic objectives include:

Research and Development: Investigating innovative methods to enhance soil carbon levels through microbial inoculums and bio-fertilizers.

Farmer Collaboration: Engaging directly with farmers to co-design and implement soil carbon-building practices.

Education and Outreach: Providing comprehensive educational programs to disseminate knowledge on soil carbon sequestration and its benefits.

The organization employs advanced technologies such as microbial inoculums derived from melanized endophytic fungi to facilitate carbon sequestration. Its primary focus is on broadacre agriculture, including cropping and pasture systems, targeting markets that prioritize sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices.

Financials and Funding

In 2019, SoilCQuest co-founded Loam Bio, a commercial startup aimed at scaling the deployment of its microbial inoculum technology. Loam Bio secured a seed funding round of A$10 million (approximately $6.94 million USD) in 2020, led by Horizons Ventures, with participation from Grok Ventures, Lowercarbon Capital, and the Australian government's Clean Energy Finance Corporation. The capital was intended to scale operations, conduct field trials, and develop platforms to reward farmers for carbon sequestration efforts.

Pipeline Development

SoilCQuest's research portfolio includes:

Granulated Compost Trials: Evaluating the effects on grain yield, soil carbon, and soil health indicators in broadacre systems.

Foliar Urea Applications: Testing improvements in nitrogen use efficiency in canola crops.

Time-Controlled Grazing Studies: Assessing the impact on soil restorative effects of multi-species cover crops.

Root Growth Enhancement: Investigating products or compounds that stimulate plant root growth to enhance soil carbon sequestration.

These projects are at various stages, with ongoing field trials and laboratory studies aimed at validating and optimizing these practices for widespread adoption.

Technological Platform and Innovation

SoilCQuest's proprietary technology centers on the use of melanized endophytic fungi as microbial inoculums to sequester atmospheric carbon into stable soil organic matter. This approach leverages the symbiotic relationship between fungi and plant roots to enhance carbon storage in soils. The organization employs scientific methodologies such as field trials, laboratory studies, and remote sensing tools to measure and validate soil carbon changes. Additionally, SoilCQuest utilizes biochar production and application as a method to improve soil health and carbon sequestration.

Leadership Team

Guy Webb: Founder & Chair. An agronomist with expertise in soil carbon, microbiology, and sustainable land management.

Mick Wettenhall: Founder & Director. An experienced grazier and farmer, advocating for agriculture's role in environmental management and climate change mitigation.

Brondwen MacLean: Deputy Chair. Director of Pivotal Management Consulting Pty Ltd, with extensive experience in agricultural research and leadership.

Alison Kirk: Director. Experienced in governance and executive management across corporate, public, and not-for-profit sectors.

Andrew Bruem: Chief Executive Officer. Over 25 years of leadership experience in agribusiness, focusing on climate solutions driven by agriculture.

Adam O’Toole: R&D Agronomist. Soil scientist with a PhD in Soil Science and Agronomy, specializing in biochar and agricultural research.

Erika Van Schellebeck: Education & Engagement. Over 20 years of experience in sustainability education and engagement.

Leadership Changes

In July 2023, Alison Kirk was appointed to the SoilCQuest Board, bringing her extensive governance and executive management experience to the organization.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global soil carbon sequestration market is experiencing growth due to increasing awareness of climate change and the role of agriculture in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers and agribusinesses are increasingly adopting practices that enhance soil carbon levels to improve soil health and productivity.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the soil carbon sequestration space include:

The Goyder Institute for Water Research: Focuses on water research and its impact on agriculture and the environment.

Centre for Enterprise Development and Research: Engages in research and development initiatives related to agriculture and environmental sustainability.

Central Tuber Crops Research Institute: Specializes in research on tuber crops and their role in sustainable agriculture.

These organizations contribute to the broader field of agricultural research and sustainability, each with specific focus areas that intersect with soil carbon sequestration.