A recent study published in AGU Advances by Anthony, Jones, and Silver explores a promising strategy for climate change mitigation: combining enhanced rock weathering with organic soil amendments in rangeland soils. The research investigates how the application of ground rock (GR) with compost and biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More affects carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions.  

Enhanced rock weathering, a process that involves applying ground silicate minerals to soils, has the potential to remove atmospheric carbon dioxide. As these minerals break down, they can lead to the formation of inorganic carbonates and bicarbonates, effectively capturing CO2. However, the effectiveness of enhanced weathering can vary.  

This study takes a novel approach by combining ground rock with organic amendments like compost and biochar. Organic amendments are known to improve soil health and boost carbon sequestration. The combined application aims to create a synergistic effect, where organic matter improves the conditions for rock weathering, and the rock amendments enhance carbon storage in the soil.  

The researchers found that the combined application of ground rock, compost, and biochar led to the most significant increase in soil carbon over three years. Additionally, the ground rock amendments were found to reduce nitrous oxide emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, and increase methane consumption, further contributing to climate change mitigation.  

This study highlights the potential of combining enhanced rock weathering with organic amendments as an effective strategy for carbon dioxide removal and greenhouse gas reduction in rangeland soils. The findings suggest that this approach could be a valuable tool in the fight against climate change, offering a nature-based solution with multiple benefits.  

SOURCE: Anthony, T. L., Jones, A. R., & Silver, W. L. (2025). Supplementing enhanced weathering with organic amendments accelerates the net climate benefit of soil amendments in rangeland soils. AGU Advances, 6, e2024AV001480.