University of Antwerp Reports Findings in Sustainable Food and Agriculture (Exploring the synergy of enhanced weathering and Bacillus subtilis: A promising strategy for sustainable agriculture).

A report from the University of Antwerp in Belgium explores the potential of enhanced weathering and the use of Bacillus subtilis bacteria as a strategy for sustainable agriculture. Enhanced silicate weathering (ESW) is a carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technology that relies on the acceleration of mineral weathering rates. The study found that the interaction between B. subtilis and basalt stimulated weathering and increased soil extractable iron, resulting in higher CDR potential. However, the study also noted limited mobilization of cations to the liquid phase and a decrease in cumulative carbon dioxide efflux with basalt-only treatment. The research highlights the importance of integrating weathering rate and greenhouse gas emissions and emphasizes the potential of soil organic matter stabilization in ESW studies. [Extracted from the article]