Exploring Basalt Weathering as a Nature-Based Solution for Greenhouse Gas Mitigation in Rice Paddies

Rice cultivation sustains over half of the global population but remains a major anthropogenic source of methane and nitrous oxide. Identifying strategies that can simultaneously maintain crop productivity and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions is therefore essential for climate-resilient agriculture.

My current research investigates enhanced basalt weathering (EBW) as a potential pathway to achieve this dual objective. By accelerating the dissolution of silicate minerals, basalt amendment can capture atmospheric CO₂, modify soil redox and pH conditions, and influence the biogeochemical cycling of carbon and nitrogen in flooded soils.

Our field experiments in temperate and tropical paddy systems integrate soil mineralogy, geochemistry, and gas flux measurements to quantify how basalt weathering alters soil processes and emission dynamics. Through this work, we aim to develop a mechanistic understanding of how mineral–soil–plant interactions can contribute to long-term greenhouse gas mitigation while improving soil quality and crop performance.

This research represents a step toward uniting pedology, geochemistry, and global science in designing sustainable, nature-based climate solutions grounded in Earth’s own processes.

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From basalt to biogeochemistry — decoding the soil’s role in carbon removal.

You can read more about our research here.