Graduate Research School Available Projects Sequestering carbon and improving sugarcane productivity by enhanced weathering of basalt
Sequestering carbon and improving sugarcane productivity by enhanced weathering of basalt
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Title of Project
Sequestering carbon and improving sugarcane productivity by enhanced weathering of basalt
Advisor/s
A/Prof Paul Nelson, Prof Michael Bird
College or Research Centre
College of Science & Engineering
Summary of Project
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. This project’s aim will be to 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. The effects on soil condition and crop growth, which are likely to be beneficial, will also be examined. The research will involve field work, laboratory work and modelling.
Key Words
greenhouse gas emissions; geoengineering; soil biology; biogeochemistry
Would suit an applicant who
with interest in: carbon cycling, agricultural land management, biogeochemistry and soil biology
Updated: 08 Apr 2020