Australian researchers are testing crushed basalt, a volcanic rock byproduct, as a sustainable and affordable fertilizer to improve soil fertility and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, addressing major issues in agriculture.

This innovative approach could transform the agricultural sector by lowering costs and helping Australia meet its climate goals, including achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Crushed basalt, which costs about $30 per ton—significantly cheaper than traditional liming materials—can be applied with existing farm equipment, making it a practical solution for farmers.

The use of basalt addresses soil acidification, a major concern for Australian farmers who currently spend around $1.2 billion annually on liming materials, which also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

This project is a collaboration between the University of South Australia, James Cook University, the Tropical North Queensland Drought Hub, and industry partners, supported by federal and private funding.

If widely adopted, this technology could open new economic opportunities for farmers and quarry operators, promoting environmental and financial benefits.

In addition to improving soil health, basalt supplies essential nutrients like phosphorus and magnesium, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and boosting farm profitability.

While not a complete replacement for chemical fertilizers, basalt can decrease their use, leading to cost savings and increased crop yields.

Successful implementation of basalt as a soil amendment could enable farmers and quarry owners to generate revenue through carbon credits, incentivizing sustainable practices.

Led by Dr. Binoy Sarkar at UniSA, an Enhanced Rock Weathering trial is underway to demonstrate basalt's effectiveness in lowering soil acidity, enhancing crop yields, and capturing carbon emissions.

This research aims to showcase basalt's potential as a natural, cost-effective solution to improve soil quality and contribute to Australia's climate change mitigation efforts.

Given that Australia's agricultural sector accounts for nearly 18% of the country's greenhouse gas emissions, innovations like basalt application are vital for reaching the nation's net zero targets by 2050.