Innovation: Itâs weird to think of rocks, perhaps the most static and lifeless objects we come across, as bringing the soil back to life. And yet, the process of breaking down rocks (âweatheringâ) is foundational to soil health, the carbon cycle, and overall ecosystem balance. âEnhanced weatheringâ now presents one of the most promising carbon removal approaches out there, as well as one that could have a major impact on both crop yields and agricultural emissions.
Thank you for this excellent piece Kevin. Incidentally, I've been using rock dust for 20 years or more on my veg beds and I'm very happy with the resultant fertility and crop health. Nevertheless, I am intrigued and receptive to the counter argument from some soil microbiologists and regen farmers that rock dust may be a bit of a distraction, and a costly one, in certain contexts - given the ability of healthy soils (in healthy diverse ecosystems) to mine rock in the subsoil extremely effectively. As you point out fungi are central to this mineral mining process and delivering those minerals in soluble form to plants at the rootzone.
Thank you for this excellent piece Kevin. Incidentally, I've been using rock dust for 20 years or more on my veg beds and I'm very happy with the resultant fertility and crop health. Nevertheless, I am intrigued and receptive to the counter argument from some soil microbiologists and regen farmers that rock dust may be a bit of a distraction, and a costly one, in certain contexts - given the ability of healthy soils (in healthy diverse ecosystems) to mine rock in the subsoil extremely effectively. As you point out fungi are central to this mineral mining process and delivering those minerals in soluble form to plants at the rootzone.