Initial agronomic benefits of enhanced weathering using basalt: A study of spring oat in a temperate climate

• DOI: 10.5194/egusphere-egu24-1421
• Publication Date: 2024-03-08T10:59:06Z
• Authors: Kirstine Skov; Jez Wardman; Matthew Healey; Amy McBride; Tzara Bierowiec; Julia Cooper; Ifeoma Edeh; Dave George; Mike E. Kelland; Jim Mann; David Manning; Melissa J. Murphy; Ryan Pape; Yit A. Teh; Will Turner; Peter Wade; Xinran Liu
• Keywords: 2. Zero hunger; 13. Climate action; Science; Q; R; Medicine; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences; 6. Clean water; Research Article; 0105 earth and related environmental sciences

Addressing soil nutrient degradation and global warming requires novel solutions. Enhanced weathering using crushed basalt rock is a promising dual-action strategy that can enhance health sequester carbon dioxide. This study examines the short-term effects of amendment on spring oat (Avena sativa L.) during 2022 growing season in NE England. The experimental design consisted four blocks with control basalt-amended plots, two cultivation types within each treatment, laid out split plot design. Basalt (18.86 tonnes ha −1 ) was incorporated into seeding. Tissue, grain samples were collected for yield, nutrient, pH analysis. led to significantly higher yields, averaging 20.5% 9.3% increases direct drill ploughed respectively. Soil 256 days after application across types  (direct drill: average 6.47 vs. 6.76 ploughed: 6.69 6.89, respectively), likely due rapidly dissolving minerals applied basalt, such as calcite. Indications differences are observed through measurement lower manganese iron uptake plants grown soil. Higher tissue potassium, calcium basalt-treated crops. Notably, no accumulation potentially toxic elements (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel) detected grain, indicating crops this basaltic feedstock safe consumption. indicates amendments improve agronomic performance sandy clay-loam agricultural under temperate climate conditions. These findings offer valuable insights producers regions who considering amendments, demonstrating potential improved crop yields environmental benefits while ensuring safety.