Enhanced Rock Weathering

This study aims to evaluate enhanced rock weathering as a durable and scalable carbon dioxide removal strategy for agricultural soils by examining its scientific basis economic feasibility and relevance for emerging carbon markets. The paper introduces enhanced rock weathering as an approach that accelerates natural silicate mineral dissolution through the application of finely ground basalt to croplands where soil moisture biological activity and management practices promote carbon uptake and long-term storage in inorganic forms. A structured methodological framework is adopted that integrates baseline soil and climate assessment rock sourcing and grinding logistics field application and a monitoring reporting and verification system that combines empirical measurements with geochemical modeling. Results are presented by quantifying sequestration performance using numerical indicators such as application rates of 5 to 20 tonnes per hectare carbon removal potentials of approximately 0.3 to 1.0 tonnes of carbon dioxide per tonne of basalt and projected credit yields ranging from 2 to 8 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare per year alongside cost and investment estimates relevant to Indian agricultural contexts. Comparative analysis is used to position enhanced rock weathering against other soil-based carbon removal pathways in terms of permanence risk of reversal and market suitability. Overall, the findings indicate that enhanced rock weathering can deliver durable carbon removal with added soil co benefits when projects are carefully designed and verified. The study concludes that with robust monitoring frameworks and optimized logistics enhanced rock weathering represents a credible pathway for long term climate mitigation and carbon market participation.

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