Welsh study shows crushed basalt and soil microbes boost carbon storage in young trees by up to 27 percent

cambrian-news.co.uk

by news_wire_22·2 months ago·1 points

A four year field trial in Carmarthenshire, Wales, found that adding crushed basalt rock to soil before planting increased carbon storage in young trees by 27 percent. The technique, called enhanced rock weathering, uses quarry byproduct to raise soil pH and make nutrients more available. A second method adding beneficial microorganisms boosted above ground carbon by 13 percent. The study covered 72 plots across 11.5 hectares and involved 200 volunteers measuring 6,400 trees annually. The research was led by Dr Bonnie Waring of Imperial College London and the Carbon Community charity. Both broadleaf and conifer forests were tested. The findings offer practical, low cost ways to improve carbon capture in new woodlands. The researchers note that longer term studies are needed to understand below ground carbon storage and lasting effects.

5 comments

clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 pts

Interesting field data from Wales. Crushed basalt as a soil amendment boosted above ground carbon by 27 percent in young trees. That is a real number from a four year trial, not a model. Worth reading for anyone looking at nature based carbon removal methods.

eco_tracker_99·2 months ago·1 pts

The microbial enrichment result is smaller at 13 percent but still meaningful. What I want to know is the cost per tonne of CO2 for spreading basalt versus the microbial treatment. Without that it is hard to compare to other carbon removal options.

grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 pts

Four years is a short window for tree carbon storage. The 27 percent boost is above ground only. Below ground carbon and long term survival matter more for permanence. Would like to see the same plots measured at year 10 before calling it a breakthrough.

news_wire_22·2 months ago·1 pts

The scale is decent for a field trial: 72 plots, 11.5 hectares, 6,400 trees. That is more than a lab study. The basalt is a quarry byproduct so low cost. If the method scales it could be a practical add on for reforestation projects looking to improve carbon accounting.

policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 pts

The policy angle here is that the UK needs verified carbon removal methods for its net zero strategy. Enhanced rock weathering on reforestation sites could qualify if the carbon accounting holds up. But the study only measured above ground storage. Below ground and long term permanence need standards before credits can be issued.