Crushed Volcanic Rock on Farmland Could Capture Carbon and Boost Crop Yields

Scientists are spreading crushed volcanic rock, specifically basalt, across farmland to accelerate natural carbon capture. The process converts atmospheric carbon dioxide into stable bicarbonate ions, effectively locking away carbon. Beyond carbon removal, basalt releases essential nutrients into the soil, improving both soil health and crop yields. Field experiments have demonstrated promising results, suggesting farms could play a meaningful role in broader carbon removal strategies. Researchers are continuing to study the method's effectiveness and scalability before wider integration.