Optimising mill mud and ash applications for soil improvement and carbon sequestration (Old ID 27540)
Role
Supervisor
Description
Negative carbon dioxide emission technologies are urgently required to offset emissions from fossil fuel burning. Weathering of alkaline metal oxides such as those in ash is a promising technology as it consumes carbon dioxide. This project aims to determine carbon sequestration when sugar mill ash, either alone or mixed with mill mud, is applied to soil in sugarcane fields. The project expects to generate knowledge about the rates of carbon sequestration and the factors controlling it, employing field experiments and geochemical modelling. The main outcome expected is a carbon sequestration methodology that is permanent and unlimited (given continued application mill by-products), unlike soil organic carbon sequestration. Adoption will facilitate trade in carbon credits through the Emissions Reduction Fund and facilitate market access through increased ability of the sugar industry to meet consumer expectations regarding environmental responsibility.
Date
01 Apr 2022 - 01 Feb 2026
Project Type
CONTRACT_RESEARCH
Keywords
carbon dioxide;climate change;soil management;sugar mill by-products;sugarcane;weathering
Funding Body
Sugar Research Australia
Amount
94920
Project Team
Paul Nelson