Stanford grads' startup turns almond shell waste into organic fertilizer

Stanford-founded Nitricity raised $50 million from Chipotle and Khosla Ventures to turn California’s abundant almond shell waste into organic fertilizer.

The startup’s “Ash Tea” product reduces emissions by 92% compared with conventional fertilizers, which account for 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Field trials show the liquid fertilizer increased crop yields by up to 30% while addressing growing consumer concerns about chemicals in food.

Chipotle Mexican Grill and Khosla Ventures are among investors providing a fresh round of funding for a startup that makes fertilizer from ground almond shells.

Nitricity, founded by Stanford University graduates, announced Tuesday that it has raised $50 million to scale production of its organic and vegan fertilizer and expand across the U.S.