Ductor N Closes the Yield Gap: Ohio State University Trials Validate Superior Performance in Organic Farming

Ductor, a global leader in sustainable nutrient recycling and circular biotechnology, today announced groundbreaking results from independent field trials conducted by The Ohio State University in 2025. The trials demonstrate that Ductor N, the company’s high-nitrogen organic liquid fertilizer, matches the performance of conventional UAN fertilizer in corn production — closing the historic yield gap between organic and conventional farming.

Scientific Validation: No Compromise on Yield or Sustainability

The trials, conducted at two Ohio research stations, compared Ductor N to commercial 28% UAN fertilizer under equivalent nitrogen application rates and timing. Key findings include:

Parameter	Ductor N	Conventional UAN	Result
Grain Yield	223 – 168 bu/A	235 – 171 bu/A	No statistical difference
Grain Moisture at Harvest	15.4 – 16.2%	16.2 – 15.4%	No statistical difference
Post-Harvest Soil Nitrogen	8 – 9 ppm (NO₃-N)	9 – 8 ppm (NO₃-N)	Statistically equivalent

Under both optimal and drought-stressed conditions, Ductor N delivered equivalent grain yields, moisture levels, and post-harvest soil nitrogen status. This proves that organic farmers can now achieve conventional-level productivity without compromising sustainability.

“These results are a game-changer,” said Bernard C. Fenner, CEO of Ductor. “For the first time, organic farmers have access to a nitrogen source that eliminates the 20 – 50% yield gap, enabling them to compete on productivity while reducing their environmental footprint.”

Supporting Project Drake: A Circular Future for Ohio Agriculture

The trials align with Project Drake, Ductor’s flagship initiative in Ohio, which received its installation and operating permit in 2025. Project Drake will convert poultry manure into renewable natural gas (RNG) and organic fertilizers, setting a new standard for circular agriculture. By repurposing agricultural resources, Ductor is reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing farmers with high-performance, sustainable nutrients.

“Project Drake and the Ohio State trials are part of the same vision: to transform organic resources into value, close nutrient loops, and empower farmers with solutions that work for both their bottom line and the planet,” Fenner added.

Why This Matters: Closing the Yield Gap Without Compromise

Historically, organic farming has faced a 20 – 50% yield gap due to limited access to fast-reacting nitrogen. The yield response curve illustrates this challenge — but Ductor N bridges the gap by providing a highly effective, organic nitrogen source that supports high yields and soil health.

Organic Farming (OF): Traditionally limited by nitrogen availability.

Conventional Farming (CF): Relies on synthetic inputs with high environmental costs.

Ductor N: Closes the gap, enabling organic systems to achieve conventional yields – without synthetic fertilizers.

A Paradigm Shift for Sustainable Agriculture

Ductor’s proprietary two-step biogas process not only produces renewable energy but also high-nitrogen liquid fertilizers and organic NPKs. This approach:

• Reduces reliance on fossil fuels in fertilizer production.
• Lowers greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.
• Improves soil health and long-term fertility.

“Our technology turns waste into a resource, creating a win-win for farmers, the environment, and food security,” said Bernard Fenner.

Next Steps: Scaling Impact

With the Ohio trials validating Ductor N’s performance, the company is accelerating commercialization in the U.S. and globally. Farmers interested in trialing Ductor N or learning more about Project Drake can contact Ductor here.