A high school student from Oregon, 16-year-old Anisha Dhoot, has developed a multi-faceted project called Smart Carbon Recycling to address soil degradation and climate change. Her work, which combines 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 with a seaweed-based fertilizer, has earned her the 2025 Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, which includes a $10,000 grant to further her initiatives.

Dhoot’s project centers on KelpNutriBoost, a low-cost fertilizer she created using seaweed from the Oregon coast. This key ingredient is effective at capturing atmospheric carbon due to its rapid growth. To enhance its soil-amending properties, Dhoot integrated biochar produced from recycled plastic and treated sewage. The resulting fertilizer mix aims to improve the health of damaged soils, boost agricultural yields, and lock carbon away, providing a sustainable solution for farmers.

To support agricultural decision-making, Dhoot also developed an artificial intelligence tool named Earth-AI. After taking online courses to learn coding, she built a predictive model that analyzes local climate and soil data to recommend the most suitable crops for a given area. The tool is designed to be accessible on smartphones, making it a practical resource for small-scale farmers, particularly in developing nations, who can use it to increase their chances of a successful harvest.

Dhoot’s commitment extends to her local community, where she distributes her fertilizer to farms and organizes fundraisers to promote public awareness. Her project is a notable example of how material innovation can be paired with digital technology to tackle complex environmental issues. Through her efforts, Dhoot is not only creating practical tools but also inspiring community action toward more sustainable agricultural practices.

SOURCE: US student develops incredible product that could solve major problem in agriculture industry