The landscape of agricultural sustainability has taken a monumental leap forward with the recent issuance of United States Patent Number 12,649,177. Titled “Apparatus and method for capturing carbon in soil,” this groundbreaking technology was developed and patented by Bison Underground, LLC, an innovative startup rooted in Norman, Oklahoma. The invention introduces a highly specialized mechanism designed to address both climate change and agricultural degradation simultaneously by transforming how crop waste is utilized.
By targeting the massive volume of underutilized biomass generated by commercial farming, Bison Underground, LLC has engineered a practical and scalable solution to remove atmospheric carbon while revitalizing depleted fields. The patented method involves grinding crop waste into fine material and directly injecting it deep into the subsoil. This dual-action methodology represents a major milestone for Oklahoma’s rapidly growing green technology sector, securing the company’s place at the forefront of modern agrotech innovations.
Why the Soil Carbon Capture Invention is So Innovative
Traditional agricultural methods often leave crop residues, such as stalks and leaves, on the surface to decompose or be burned. Both of these traditional practices release substantial amounts of carbon dioxide and methane back into the atmosphere, contributing heavily to global greenhouse gas accumulations. The technology patented under US 12,649,177 completely flips this paradigm. Instead of allowing carbon to escape into the air, the apparatus actively collects and processes crop waste directly on the field.
The core innovation lies in its mechanical system, which grinds agricultural waste into a custom-tailored granular or pelletized material and subsequently injects it deep into the earth, reaching depths of up to two feet. At this specific subsoil level, the lack of abundant oxygen drastically slows down the decomposition process. Consequently, the carbon remains locked safely underground for extended durations, transforming the crop waste into stable, nutrient-rich compost rather than atmospheric pollution. Furthermore, the machine is highly versatile, capable of experimenting with and injecting various mixtures, including biochar, compost pellets, and mineral sands, to customize soil remediation based on specific regional needs.
Field tests conducted by the company at their Norman test sites have demonstrated exceptional practical results. Soil that had previously been compacted, lifeless, and barren for nearly a decade experienced rapid ecological restoration. Vegetation in treated plots broke dormancy much earlier than surrounding fields, outperforming conventional crops in growth rate, density, and overall health. By turning a liability like agricultural waste into a premium subterranean asset, this machine offers a rare win-win solution for planetary health and farm profitability.
Oklahoma State Patent of the Month: July 2026
Recognizing the immense potential of this technology, the State of Oklahoma has officially honored US Patent Number 12,649,177 as its Patent of the Month for July 2026. This prestigious award is presented to standout innovations that showcase exceptional ingenuity while promising a positive economic and environmental impact on the state. Bison Underground, LLC represents a home-grown success story, having emerged as a student-led team of geoscientists and engineers out of the University of Oklahoma before transitioning into a commercial enterprise supported by the Tom Love Innovation Hub and the OK Catalyst program.
With the patent being formally granted in June 2026, its selection for the July 2026 distinction underscores the immediate relevance of the technology to Oklahoma’s vital agricultural sector. Oklahoma farmers face ongoing challenges with soil compaction, erosion, and volatile weather patterns. By celebrating this patent, the state highlights its commitment to pioneering sustainable agrotech solutions that can protect rural livelihoods, improve crop resilience, and establish Oklahoma as a prominent hub for green engineering and climate tech development.
Leveraging Practical Applications for the U.S. R&D Tax Credit
From a commercial and financial perspective, the practical application and ongoing refinement of the technology described in this patent provide an excellent pathway for companies to qualify for the federal Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit in the United States under Internal Revenue Code Section 41. To secure eligibility, businesses utilizing or adapting this subsoil injection technology must satisfy a strict four-part test. First, the project must possess a qualified purpose, which is demonstrated through designing and optimizing specialized injection machinery or formulating advanced pelletized biomass mixtures to enhance carbon stability. Second, companies must actively work to eliminate technological uncertainty, such as identifying the precise mechanical torque required to grind tough crop stalks or determining the optimal injection depth across varying soil geologies. Third, the development process must incorporate a systematic process of experimentation, which includes executing iterative field trials, testing mechanical prototypes, or conducting soil chemistry assays to measure long-term carbon sequestration. Finally, the research must be fundamentally technological in nature, relying directly on engineering, agronomy, geology, and soil science. By meticulously documenting qualified expenditures, including the wages of design engineers, the cost of prototyping supplies, and independent laboratory testing expenses, agrotech innovators can significantly offset their development costs through these valuable tax credits.
