Seeking soil health solutions which reduce the reliance on synthetic agrochemicals applied to and/or improve soil health whilst maintaining yield and quality

The project output will be a microbiome technology (e.g. biofertilizer) optimized for PepsiCo’s key crops. Adoption of a microbiome technology would be driven through PepsiCo’s grower supply chain.

Specifically, we want to achieve the following:

• Establish proof of concept that the selected microbiome technology when applied to potato, oat, citrus or corn crops addresses one or more of the following:
  • Reduces the amount of artificial nitrogen required per unit yield
  • Improves soil health (soil structure, water infiltration/water holding capacity, soil respiration/active carbon)
• Determine efficacy of the technology at field scale
• Determine impact of technology on yield and quality of core crops

Solution requirements

Must-Haves

• Technology proven in similar crops, e.g. other small grains which may apply to oat and corn, root crops which may apply to potato, perennial tree crops for application in citrus.
• Clear description and understanding of product mode of action
• Data on yield improvements, nitrogen reduction and/or soil health benefits

Nice-to-Haves

• Technology proven in potatoes, oats, citrus or corn
• Regulatory landscape, i.e. list of countries/regions where the product is already registered for use, and awareness of any limitations to expanding to alternative geographies
• Independent trial data to back company’s internal research, e.g. university or other research organization
• Cost benefit analysis: cost neutral or cost benefit vs current practice

​Preferred Collaboration types

PepsiCo is open to a range of collaboration types; however proof of concept is required