How Compost and Biochar Supercharge Rock Weathering for Climate Action

How Compost and Biochar Supercharge Rock Weathering for Climate Action Compost and Biochar Research Field

Date: April 24, 2025
Author: Quantum Server Networks

In the fight against climate change, scientists are constantly on the hunt for innovative methods to draw carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. One particularly promising strategy is enhanced rock weathering (ERW), where finely ground silicate rocks are applied to soil, stimulating a natural process that locks atmospheric carbon into stable carbonate minerals.

But a groundbreaking new study published in AGU Advances reveals that the addition of organic amendments like compost and biochar can dramatically accelerate ERW’s carbon-sequestering potential.

California Grasslands: A Natural Laboratory

Over three years, researchers led by Tyler Anthony tested various soil treatments in California’s Browns Valley grasslands. Their approach: compare the effects of rock dust alone versus combinations of crushed rock with compost, or compost plus biochar. Control plots with no treatment were also observed.

The winning combination? Crushed basalt + compost + biochar. This mix not only sequestered significantly more carbon, but also reduced harmful greenhouse gas emissions like nitrous oxide while enhancing methane consumption in the soil.

Sequestration at Scale

The results were striking. Extrapolating from their data, the researchers estimate that spreading this enhanced mixture over just 8% of California's rangelands could potentially sequester up to 51.7 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent annually. That’s a substantial chunk of the state's carbon footprint.

Yet, achieving such theoretical maximums isn’t simple. The study occurred during drought conditions—likely limiting CO2 capture—and lifecycle emissions from transport and processing must also be accounted for. Still, the findings spotlight a path forward for nature-based solutions that scale efficiently.

Why This Matters

This research signals a pivotal advancement in climate-smart agriculture and geoengineering. By leveraging both geological and biological tools, we can amplify Earth’s own carbon-capture mechanisms. The implications extend beyond California—grasslands worldwide may benefit from similar strategies.

Read the original article here: phys.org/news/2025-04-compost-biochar-boost-carbon-sequestration.

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