Landus & TalusAg launch local ammonia plant to reduce import dependence

Landus, an Iowa-based agriculture solutions company, and TalusAg, an agriculture technology firm, have begun commercial production of green ammonia in Boone, Iowa, USA. The facility, described as the first modular green ammonia system in North America, is designed to provide a domestic, cost-competitive, and sustainable nitrogen source for agricultural use.

Addressing Supply Chain Risks

Ammonia-based fertilizers are critical for crop production, but availability has been affected by global supply disruptions. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that fertilizer prices more than doubled between 2021 and 2022 due to supply constraints, increased global demand, and reliance on imports. The new facility aims to reduce dependence on global supply chains by producing ammonia locally.

“Import tariffs and global disruptions pose risks to fertilizer availability for American farmers. A localized production model helps address these vulnerabilities,” said Hiro Iwanaga, founder and CEO of TalusAg.

Production and Environmental Considerations

TalusAg’s modular system produces up to 20 tons of ammonia per day using renewable energy sources. The approach is supported by the Federal clean hydrogen production tax credit, which incentivizes lower-carbon alternatives to conventional ammonia production, typically reliant on fossil fuels.

Matt Carstens, Landus and Conduit President & CEO, stated that the company prioritizes ensuring farmers have reliable input sources. He noted that shortening the supply chain while exploring sustainable options aligns with that objective.

Beyond cost considerations, green ammonia has implications for the biofuels sector. Reducing the carbon intensity of biofuel feedstocks could have broader industry applications, with estimates suggesting a potential reduction of up to 25%.

Future Expansion Plans

Landus and TalusAg plan to expand operations across the Corn Belt and other agricultural regions. The goal is to establish additional modular green ammonia production systems to create a more decentralized and resilient domestic fertilizer supply.

As demand for food and biofuel production grows, the role of alternative ammonia sources will continue to be a factor in discussions surrounding input costs, sustainability measures, and supply chain stability.