NATO-backed project uses giant miscanthus grass to clean war-damaged soil in Ukraine and store carbon

trtworld.com

by policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 points

A NATO-funded project led by Czech scientists is testing giant miscanthus grass to clean pollutants from Ukraine's war-damaged farmland. The grass absorbs oil, explosives, and metals through its roots while storing carbon in the soil. Early results show improved soil biology and carbon sequestration, with potential for biomass production on contaminated land. The project is part of NATO's Science for Peace and Security program and runs through 2026. Researchers are growing miscanthus near Bucha, a site of heavy fighting. The grass sends up to 40 percent of its organic material into the soil, which helps restore fertility over time. While full cleanup takes years, the approach could turn damaged land into a carbon sink and biomass source.

1 comment

clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 pts

Interesting approach. Using miscanthus for phytoremediation while also getting biomass for heating. The carbon sequestration angle is a bonus. But 20 to 25 years to clean soil is a long timeline. Curious how the economics work out for farmers.

eco_tracker_99·2 months ago·1 pts

Yeah the timeline is the big question. NATO funding is only 346k euros through next year. If they want to scale this across Ukraine's damaged farmland, that's a drop in the bucket. Needs a real carbon finance mechanism to make it work at scale.

grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 pts

The biomass angle is interesting though. If miscanthus can be harvested for heating while roots clean the soil, you get a revenue stream. But the article says above ground biomass stays clean. That matters for burning it. Still, the economics of harvesting and transporting low density biomass over damaged land is rough.

news_wire_22·2 months ago·1 pts

Worth noting the NATO funding is only 346k euros. That's a pilot. The real test is whether Ukraine or international donors scale this. The French study mentioned took 13 years to show soil carbon gains. Patience is not a strong suit in climate finance.

policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 pts

The carbon accounting here is tricky. If the grass stores carbon in soil but you harvest the biomass and burn it for heat, the net effect depends on what you displace. If it replaces fossil gas, net positive. If it replaces other biomass, less clear. Needs a full lifecycle analysis before anyone claims carbon credits.