Key Takeaways
- Ancient Organics received a U.S. patent for a microbial system that breaks down glyphosate and its byproduct AMPA in agricultural soils.
- Multi-state field trials showed reductions of 50%–96% in glyphosate residues across major crop systems.
- The technology improved soil nutrient availability, microbial diversity, and crop resilience, with yield gains ranging from 25% to 48%.
- Ancient Organics positions the innovation as a tool for soil detoxification amid rising concern over glyphosate persistence and cost pressures on farmers.
- The product, marketed as PaleoPower, is now available through authorized North American distributors.
Ancient Organics Introduces Patented Microbial System for Soil Detoxification
A newly granted U.S. patent covers a microbial technology from Ancient Organics designed to degrade glyphosate residues in soil. Glyphosate, widely used as a herbicidal active ingredient, can remain in the ground, disrupt microbial communities, and bind micronutrients essential for crop growth.
The patented approach uses a targeted microbial consortium capable of breaking down both glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), its primary breakdown compound. Ancient Organics says the system is intended to support soil function by restoring natural biochemical pathways.
Results Across U.S. Field Trials
According to Ancient Organics, multi-state trials showed consistent reductions in glyphosate residues, including:
- 87% reduction in Wisconsin corn
- 75% reduction in Alabama cotton
- 50% reduction in Illinois soybeans
- 96% reduction in a California vineyard
The company states that clearing residues may help improve soil health while addressing concerns about long-term glyphosate exposure.
“The widespread use of glyphosate has silently degraded the world’s soils, threatening food security and ecological resilience by collapsing soil microbial networks essential for nutrient cycling and plant health. This patent validates our systems-biology approach,” said Raul Cano, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Ancient Organics. “By using carefully designed microbial guilds to restore natural biochemical pathways we can detoxify and regenerate entire soil ecosystems. With this patent Ancient Organics expands its leadership in microbial bioremediation and strengthens its IP position for future product development.”
“We have spent decades documenting the damage glyphosate has caused to soil biology and plant health. Ancient Organics’ systems-based understanding of the soil microbiome represents the breakthrough this field has needed,” added Don Huber, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Plant Pathology at Purdue University. “‘PaleoPower’ provides a biological antidote to one of agriculture’s greatest challenges.”
Yield Gains and Soil Improvements
As the microbial consortium degrades glyphosate, it also releases bound micronutrients, improving nutrient uptake and increasing soil microbial diversity. According to the company, participating growers reported yield improvements of:
- 28.6% in corn
- 38% in carrots
- 48% in onions
- 25%–36% average gains across organic vegetable crops
“After five years of field studies, the results speak for themselves,” said Martha Carlin, Co-Founder of Ancient Organics. “‘PaleoPower’ restores soil vitality, improves crop resilience, and accelerates glyphosate breakdown—proving that when we work with nature’s design, we can solve problems chemistry alone never could.”
Ancient Organics Highlights Economic and Environmental Benefits
With fertiliser and chemical input costs rising an estimated 25–45%, the company positions PaleoPower as a tool that supports both ecological recovery and cost efficiency. The technology is now available through authorized distributors across North America.
