Summary
This narrative review examines the environmental implications of applying pulverised silicate rock to agricultural soils for carbon removal and soil health improvement. The authors synthesise interdisciplinary literature to identify both risks and cobenefits of terrestrial enhanced rock weathering, and propose monitoring frameworks and mitigation strategies to support responsible scale-up. The paper addresses a significant evidence gap by providing recommendations for future research, infrastructure development, and policy guidance alongside operational best practices.
Regional applicability
The review's recommendations for monitoring and mitigation strategies are broadly applicable to United Kingdom agricultural policy and practice, particularly as ERW gains consideration as a carbon removal approach aligned with UK climate commitments. Transferability of specific recommendations will depend on UK soil types, water chemistry, and regulatory frameworks, which warrant context-specific evaluation.
Key measures
Target metrics for monitoring environmental impacts; risk mitigation strategies; best practices for early detection and prevention of negative environmental impacts
Outcomes reported
The paper identifies potential negative environmental consequences and positive cobenefits of enhanced rock weathering (ERW) scale-up on agricultural land, and proposes mitigation and monitoring strategies. It synthesises evidence from literature on ERW, agriculture, ecosystem science, water chemistry, and human health to develop recommendations for research, infrastructure, policy, and best practice monitoring.
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