Publications by authors named "D J Beerling"
Article Synopsis
- Enhanced weathering (EW) of basalt, a silicate rock, is being studied as a method for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) to help mitigate climate change, particularly in tropical northeastern Australia.* -
- Field experiments from 2018 to 2022 measuring the effects of basalt on sugarcane crops showed increased soil pH and nutrient levels, but no significant improvement in crop yields or detectable increase in soil inorganic carbon levels.* -
- The study found that although the basalt weathering process did not significantly enhance CDR, it may still contribute to long-term reductions in CO emissions from the soil due to changes in soil acidity levels and delayed effects from continued basalt application.*
Terrestrial enhanced rock weathering (ERW) is the application of pulverized silicate rock to soils for the purposes of carbon removal and improved soil health. Although a geochemical modeling framework for ERW in soils is emerging, there is a scarcity of experimental and field trial data exploring potential environmental impacts, risks, and monitoring strategies associated with this practice. This paper identifies potential negative consequences and positive cobenefits of ERW scale-up and suggests mitigation and monitoring strategies.
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- Enhanced rock weathering (ERW) is a new method for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and aims to improve soil carbon sequestration through geochemical processes.
- A 2-year study in tropical rubber plantations showed that adding wollastonite powder significantly increased soil organic carbon (SOC) more than soil inorganic carbon (HCO), with SOC increases being four to eight times greater.
- The study found that ERW enhances the accrual of stable organic carbon in soil by improving mineral-associated organic matter and boosting nutrient release, indicating that the impact on SOC should be considered when evaluating the effectiveness of ERW for carbon dioxide removal.
Enhanced rock weathering (EW) is an emerging atmospheric carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategy being scaled up by the commercial sector. Here, we combine multiomics analyses of belowground microbiomes, laboratory-based dissolution studies, and incubation investigations of soils from field EW trials to build the case for manipulating iron chelators in soil to increase EW efficiency and lower costs. Microbial siderophores are high-affinity, highly selective iron (Fe) chelators that enhance the uptake of Fe from soil minerals into cells.
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