Soil additives for carbon sequestration

Enhancing carbon sequestration process through soil amendments such as biochar, crushed silicate rock and microbe-based amendments.

Readiness Level

Priorities for scaling

high-risk pilotingcatalysing developmentmoving the innovation from private to public hands

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and mitigate climate change. In the context of agriculture, it occurs naturally through biological processes like photosynthesis in plants and storage in soil organic matter, but can be enhanced through a variety of soil amendments designed to enhance soil carbon storage. Such amendments include biochar, crushed silicate rock dust (enhanced rock weathering, ERW), and microbe-based amendments.

Biochar, produced via pyrolysis of organic material, locks carbon in stable aromatic structures while improving soil health.
Crushed silicate rock dust accelerates natural weathering processes via ERW, sequestering CO₂.
Microbial amendments, utilizing carbon-storing soil microbes, remove up to two tons of atmospheric CO₂ per acre annually.

Food System Area

agricultural inputs & primary production practiceswaste

This innovation tackles the challenge of reducing atmospheric CO₂ within the agricultural system. By leveraging agricultural soils as a carbon sink, this provides a dual-benefit solution for agriculture and climate mitigation.

Problem area

reducing agricultural footprint

What impact could it have?

Human health impact

medium

The health impacts are medium. Soil additives improve air quality by sequestering CO₂ and mitigating climate change. Reduced dependence on chemical fertilizers lowers risks of water pollution and associated diseases.

Environmental impact

high

The environmental benefit is significant. These innovations enhance carbon sequestration, and have co-benefits of supporting long-term soil health and contributing to ecosystem restoration.

Livelihood impact

medium - high

The livelihood impacts are medium to high. Farmers may see increased income through eco-certification programs and/or carbon markets. Co-benefits include enhanced soil fertility, higher yields, and reduced input costs over time.

Socio-cultural impact

low - medium

The socio-cultural impacts are low to medium. Adoption may face initial resistance due to unfamiliarity with the technologies. Over time, increased awareness of the environmental and economic benefits could foster widespread acceptance and promote uptake.

Equity impact

medium

Equity impacts are medium and potentially mixed. While the technology offers universal financial benefits, disparities in access and adoption must be addressed to ensure that smallholder and resource-poor farmers are not left behind.

Potential for transformative impact

medium - high

High incremental improvement: These soil additives have the potential to significantly reduce agricultural emissions, sequester carbon for long periods, and improve soil health, making them transformative for sustainable agriculture, but not ground-breaking in changing the system.

What factors influence scaling?

Need for bundling is high depending on the soil amendment. This may involve integration with renewable energy systems, organic waste management, and precision agriculture technologies.

The scope is global, with applicability in diverse agricultural systems, from smallholder farms to industrial operations. Effective adoption depends on soil properties, crop types, and regional climates.

Medium to large-scale agricultural actors are expected early adopters. Barriers to uptake might include cost, knowledge gaps, and infrastructure requirements. Smallholders may require subsidies and training to access benefits.

This innovation may disrupt existing fertilizer and soil management industries by introducing alternative practices that reduce reliance on synthetic inputs.

Plutonbio

Potential unintended consequences include dysfunctioning of carbon markets, and unintended impacts on local soil ecosystems. Close monitoring and research are needed to balance long-term benefits with ecological stability.

soil with tiny plants for carbon sequestration

Where is acceleration most needed?

Accelerator scores reflect the degree of action needed across eight key accelerators of change that can enable an innovation to scale. A higher score signals that greater effort and support are needed in that area to unlock uptake at scale. Click on each accelerator to see what’s been achieved and what still needs attention.

Building Trust

Medium

Building Trust

Transparent communication and demonstrated field success are essential for gaining farmer and stakeholder confidence.

Transforming Mindsets

High

Transforming Mindsets

Promoting soil carbon sequestration as a dual-benefit solution for agriculture and climate mitigation requires significant educational efforts.

Enabling Social License

High

Enabling Social License

Social acceptance will depend on inclusive stakeholder engagement and evidence-based communication of environmental and economic benefits.

Ensuring Stable Finance

High

Ensuring Stable Finance

Ongoing public and private funding is crucial for advancing R&D, supporting adoption, and enabling scalability.

Designing Market Incentives

High

Designing Market Incentives

Carbon credit integration, subsidies for smallholder adoption, and recognition of soil health improvements can drive widespread uptake.

Changing Policies and Regulations

Medium

Changing Policies and Regulations

Policy frameworks must evolve to recognize and incentivize carbon sequestration technologies while addressing safety and efficacy standards.

Safeguarding Against Undesirable Effects

High

Safeguarding Against Undesirable Effects

Long-term monitoring and adaptive management strategies are essential to mitigate potential ecological risks and ensure sustainable outcomes.

Developing Transition Pathways

Medium

Developing Transition Pathways

Clear pathways for scaling, including farmer training, infrastructure development, and integration with existing agricultural systems, are vital for success.

Reference

Pluton Biosciences. https://www.plutonbio.com/

Budin, J. (2024, May 24). Scientists develop extraordinary method to transform manure into ‘black gold’ — here’s why it’s important. The Cool Down. https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/convert-livestock-manure-into-biochar-korea/

National Research Council of Science and Technology. (2024, April 24). Livestock manure is transformed into a bioresource enriched with carbon in just one day. Newswise. https://www.newswise.com/articles/livestock-manure-is-transformed-into-a-bioresource-enriched-with-carbon-in-just-one-day

Reducing emissions from agriculture – the role of new farm technologies. Scottish Government. (2023, February 6). https://www.gov.scot/publications/reducing-emissions-agriculture-role-new-farm-technologies/pages/7/

Verbruggen, E., Struyf, E., Vicca, S. (2021). Can arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi speed up carbon sequestration by enhanced weathering? Plans, People, Planet, 3, 445–453. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10179