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Pyroligneous Acid Biostimulants for Prairie Agriculture

Olds College Centre for Innovation is assessing the wood-derived biostimulant pyroligneous acid for wheat and canola crops, to see how it could help enhance plant health and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.

Pyroligneous acid, commonly referred to as wood vinegar or wood acid, is a liquid byproduct generated by distilling wood and diverse plant materials at high temperatures.
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Project Overview

  • Evaluating pyroligneous acid (PLA) as a biostimulant to improve crop performance and potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Assessing different application rates and timings to identify effective strategies for Prairie cereal and oilseed production.
  • A three-year project combining greenhouse studies and small-plot field trials at the Olds College Smart Farm.
  • Field research is validating product performance under Alberta growing conditions and assessing its practical potential for producers.

Project Goals

  • Evaluate the effects of PLA-based biostimulants on crop yield and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Optimize application rates and timing for wheat and canola production.

Funders/Partners: Pyrovac Inc. and AAFC

Research Area: Biostimulants, nutrient use efficiency, and sustainable production

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