Enhanced Rock Weathering in Wales: Crushed Rock Boosts Forest Carbon Storage by 27% in Four-Year Study

A four-year field trial in Wales spread crushed silicate rock across an 11.5-hectare restoration site and tracked 6,400 trees. The experiment, run from 2021 to 2024, found a 27% increase in carbon stored in tree biomass compared to control plots. Researchers are exploring whether enhanced rock weathering can accelerate natural CO2 capture while supporting tree growth. While the results are promising, the scale is still small. The study highlights the need for more data on cost, long-term weathering rates, and how the method performs on different soil types. If verified, this could become another tool for carbon removal projects, though it will need careful accounting before any carbon credits are issued.