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Rock Dust Could Help Fight Climate Change and Boost Crop Yields
Preliminary results of major study suggest local soil characteristics play a crucial role
28 July, 2025
A new Anglo-French study suggests that spreading crushed volcanic rock on farmland could help capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere — and even boost crop yields — but its success depends on local soil conditions.
Researchers from Rothamsted Research in England and INRAE in Bordeaux, France, along with the UK’s National Oceanography Centre, tested the effects of basalt rock dust, a by-product of quarrying, on two types of agricultural soil. The team applied two different quantities in pot experiments — at the equivalent of 80 and 160 tonnes per hectare — to both sandy and silty clay soils, monitoring their impact on soil chemistry and ryegrass growth.
The technique, known as “enhanced weathering,” aims to accelerate the natural breakdown of silicate rocks, a process that removes CO₂ from the air and stores it in the soil. Advocates say it could become a valuable tool in tackling climate change while improving soil health.
These results show that basalt can be an effective soil amendment, especially on nutrient-poor or slightly acidic soils
The study found that basalt applications raised soil pH — a key indicator of fertility — by around 0.8 units. The rock dust also released valuable nutrients like potassium, which significantly increased plant growth in sandy soils. However, the uptake of some, such as phosphorus and trace metals, declined due to changes in soil chemistry, particularly in soils that were already nutrient-rich.
"These results show that basalt can be an effective soil amendment, especially on nutrient-poor or slightly acidic soils," said Rothamsted’s Stephan Haefele who was one of the co-authors of the study. "But there is no universal outcome — local soil characteristics play a crucial role."
The findings highlight the need for site-specific assessments before rolling out enhanced weathering on a large scale. While the approach holds promise for reducing atmospheric carbon and improving agricultural productivity, it’s no silver bullet.
The research adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the use of rock dust in regenerative agriculture — a practice increasingly seen as a frontline defence in the climate crisis.
Publication
Contacts
Dr Stephan Haefele
Soil Health and Management Team Leader
Prof. Steve McGrath
Soil and Plant Scientist
ABOUT ROTHAMSTED RESEARCH
Rothamsted Research is the longest-running agricultural research institute in the world. We work from gene to field with a proud history of ground-breaking
discoveries in areas as diverse as crop management, statistical interpretation and soil health. Our founders, in 1843, were the pioneers of modern
agriculture, and we are known for our imaginative science and our collaborative approach to developing innovative farm practice.
Through independent research, we make significant contributions to improving agri-food systems in the UK and internationally, with
economic impact estimated to exceed £3 bn in annual contribution to the UK economy. Our strength lies in our systems approach, which combines strategic research,
interdisciplinary teams and multiple partnerships.
Rothamsted is home to three unique National Bioscience Research Infrastructures which are open to researchers from all over the world:
The Long-Term Experiments,
Rothamsted Insect Survey and the
North Wyke Farm Platform.
We are strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), with additional support from other national and
international funding streams, and from industry. We are also supported by the Lawes Agricultural Trust (LAT).
ABOUT BBSRC
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid
from the UK government.
BBSRC invests to push back the frontiers of biology and deliver a healthy, prosperous and sustainable future. Through our investments, we build and support a vibrant,
dynamic and inclusive community which delivers ground-breaking discoveries and develops bio-based solutions that contribute to tackling global challenges,
such as sustainable food production, climate change, and healthy ageing.
As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), we not only play a pivotal role in fostering connections that enable the UK’s world-class research and innovation system
to flourish – we also have a responsibility to enable the creation of a research culture that is diverse, resilient, and engaged.
BBSRC proudly forges interdisciplinary collaborations where excellent bioscience has a fundamental role. We pioneer approaches that enhance the equality, diversity,
and inclusion of talent by investing in people, infrastructure, technologies, and partnerships on a global scale.
ABOUT LAT
The Lawes Agricultural Trust, established in 1889 by Sir John Bennet Lawes, supports Rothamsted Research’s national and international agricultural science through the provision of land, facilities and funding. LAT, a charitable trust, owns the estates at Harpenden and Broom's Barn, including many of the buildings used by Rothamsted Research. LAT provides an annual research grant to the Director, accommodation for nearly 200 people, and support for fellowships for young scientists from developing countries. LAT also makes capital grants to help modernise facilities at Rothamsted, or invests in new buildings.