Scientists Boost Crop Yields with CO2-Capturing Rock Dust on Fields

A recent study by scientists from the University of Sheffield’s Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation indicates that using crushed rock on farmers’ fields could reduce greenhouse gases and increase crop yields by up to 16%.

The recent research builds upon a University of Sheffield study examining the effectiveness of enhanced rock weathering.

Naturally, rocks absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide as they break down, increasing fragmentation creates more surface area for carbon sequestration. However, this process is slow, and for effective CO2 absorption, fragmented pieces must cover a large area. Enhanced rock weathering tackles these issues.

Incorporating Crushed Rock Dust into Agricultural Practices

The process involves mechanically pulverizing rocks into fine particles resembling dust, which are subsequently spread across agricultural fields. This step could seamlessly blend into existing farming practices by mixing the dust with fertilizers or other commonly used field additives.

A 2020 study found that widespread use of enhanced rock weathering could remove up to 2 billion tonnes (about 2.2 billion tons) of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year, exceeding the combined annual CO2 emissions from global aviation and shipping.

For this purpose, sourcing rocks from mining operations is possible, and farmers could receive financial incentives to use the dust on their fields. Moreover, the promise of increased crop yields may serve as an additional motivator for adoption, supplementing the monetary incentives.

The recent four-year study at the University of Illinois Energy Farm examined maize and soybean fields. Certain plots functioned as controls, while others received an annual treatment of 50 tons (45 tonnes) of basalt dust per hectare.

Enhanced Yields Due to Basalt’s Soil Benefits

Ultimately, the treated plots exhibited 12 to 16% higher yields compared to the controls. This outcome primarily stemmed from the basalt’s ability to elevate the soil’s pH, enhancing the plants’ uptake of nutrients already present in the soil. Furthermore, as the basalt broke down in the soil, it released additional nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, and calcium.

Plants in basalt-treated plots showed higher levels of micro- and macronutrients, boosting their nutritional value for humans and livestock. Additionally, the study confirmed that crushed rock dust application could remove about three to four tonnes of atmospheric carbon dioxide per hectare annually.

Lead scientist Prof. David Beerling from the University of Sheffield emphasized the significance of the findings, stating, “We have demonstrated through empirical data the carbon removal potential of enhanced weathering practices in real-world scenarios. This marks a substantial advancement in understanding the vast potential of this technology to mitigate climate change while concurrently improving yields and soil health.”

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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