New Study Shows Enhanced Rock Weathering Boosts Crop Yields and Soil Health

A groundbreaking study published in PLOS ONE unveils the promising impact of enhanced rock weathering (ERW) on agricultural productivity and soil quality. Led by a team of scientists from UNDO and Newcastle University, the research demonstrates that the application of finely crushed silicate rock, such as basalt, to farmland leads to remarkable improvements in crop yields and soil conditions.

Key findings from the study include:

Increased Crop Yields: The trial, conducted during the 2022 growing season, revealed an average crop yield enhancement of 15% across different cultivation techniques. This enhancement ranged from 9.3% to 20.5% between ploughed and direct drill amended plots, respectively.

Improved Soil pH and Nutrient Uptake: Basalt amendment resulted in a stabilizing effect on soil pH, with the pH level being on average 0.2 to 0.29 units higher in basalt-amended plots compared to control plots. This elevation in pH facilitates better nutrient availability for crops, leading to higher concentrations of essential nutrients such as calcium and potassium in crops grown in basalt-amended soil.

No Negative Environmental Impact: Importantly, the study found no additional toxic elements taken up by crops in basalt-amended plots, indicating the safety of food produced from these crops. UNDO’s basalt has also been certified for use in organic farming systems by respected bodies such as the Soil Association.

Resilience to Climate Challenges: Despite facing unusually dry growing season conditions in 2022, crops in basalt-amended plots exhibited enhanced productivity and resilience. This suggests that ERW could contribute to more sustainable and resilient food production systems in the face of future climate changes.

Professor David Manning of Newcastle University expressed optimism about the results, stating that they provide scientific credibility for ERW and enhance its value proposition to farmers. He emphasized the importance of the technology in meeting sustainability and environmental targets in agriculture.

Furthermore, Professor Yit Arn Teh highlighted the win-win scenario presented by ERW, which not only removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere but also naturally enhances soil health and nutrient availability for crops. The simplicity of implementing ERW, without requiring additional equipment or training for farmers, makes it a feasible and attractive solution for widespread adoption in the agricultural sector.

With the potential to remove significant amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere, ERW offers a promising pathway towards mitigating climate change while simultaneously improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. The authors of the study hope that the positive agronomic co-benefits highlighted in their research will encourage farmers worldwide to embrace this nature-based carbon removal solution.

For more information on the study and its implications, refer to the full paper published in PLOS ONE.