Sequestering carbon and improving sugarcane productivity by enhanced weathering of basalt (Old ID 23432)
Role
Principal Investigator
Description
Arresting the build-up of atmospheric CO2 is one of humanity's biggest challenges. In geological time, the weathering of rocks consumes CO2, which is then sequestered as limestone in the ocean, but the natural rate of this process is very slow. In this project we will determine the feasibility of accelerating weathering by introducing crushed basalt (a common and easily weathered rock) into the place on earth with highest CO2 production and potential weathering rates - topsoil in the humid tropics. We will also examine the effects on soil condition and crop growth, which are likely to be beneficial.
Date
01 Jun 2017 - 31 May 2026
Project Type
GRANT
Keywords
Carbon sequestration;Soil Fertility;Sugarcane;Water Quality;Great Barrier Reef;Agricultural Sustainability
Funding Body
Leverhulme Trust
Amount
479169
Project Team
Michael Bird