Enhanced Rock Weathering and Microbial Enrichment Boost Carbon Storage in Young Woodlands by Up to 27%

A new field trial led by Imperial College London and the Carbon Community found that combining enhanced rock weathering with microbial enrichment can increase carbon capture in young woodlands by up to 27%. The study, conducted across 28 acres in Wales, applied crushed silicate rock dust and beneficial microorganisms to native broadleaf plots, measuring above-ground biomass over four years. Enhanced rock weathering works by speeding up a natural chemical reaction that pulls CO2 from the air and stores it in soil, while also releasing nutrients that help trees grow faster. Microbial enrichment introduces fungi and bacteria from older forests to improve soil health. The researchers say these low-cost interventions could make tree planting projects more effective for carbon removal, especially given limited land availability. The results have practical implications for UK carbon removal strategy and voluntary carbon markets, where nature-based credits often face scrutiny over permanence and additionality. The trial involved over 200 citizen scientists monitoring 6,400 trees annually, providing a robust dataset for future policy and project design.