UK farmers have published research suggesting that adding silicate rocks to crop soil can help reduce levels of CO₂ in the soil while also releasing plant - essential nutrients . The researchers at the University of Sheffield 's Leverhulme Centre for Environmental Mitigation carried out a study involving adding crushed silicate rocks such as basalt into the soil . They found that as the rock particles accumulated they increased the uptake of CO2 , whilst also releasing plant nutrients into the soil . Arable farmers already apply crushed limestone to the soil to reduce acidification , therefore replacing limestone with crushed silicate rocks would have significant environmental benefits .
UK scientists have published research suggesting that adding silicate rocks to crop soil can help reduce levels of CO2 in the atmosphere while also releasing plant-essential nutrients. The researchers at the University of Sheffield's Leverhulme Centre for Climate Mitigation carried out a study involving adding crushed silicate rocks such as basalt into the soil. They found that as the rock particles dissolved they increased the uptake of CO2, whilst also releasing plant nutrients into the soil. Arable farmers already apply crushed limestone to the soil to reduce acidification, therefore replacing limestone with crushed silicate rocks would have significant environmental benefits.