REVIEW ON THE POTENTIAL OF BASALT ROCK DUST FOR AGRICULTURAL SOIL MINERALIZATION AND ATMOSPHERIC CARBON SEQUESTRATION
- Authors
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R. Ibrahim
Department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering Technology, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria.
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C. O. Akinbile
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, School of Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Minerals Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure
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A. O. Owolabi
Department of Mining Engineering, School of Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Minerals Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure
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K. Ibrahim
Department of Home and Rural Economics, Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan.
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- Keywords:
- Array, Array, Array, Array
- Abstract
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The byproduct of volcanic eruption is basalt rock dust, and is of recent very popular for soil amendment because of its capacity to mineralize agricultural soil, improve crop productivity, and sequester atmospheric carbon IV oxide (CO2). It is rich in minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and trace elements. It releases nutrients slowly and consistently to the soil, thereby resuscitating soil nutrient deficiency and enhancing the productivity of crops on the field. Beyond its support for improving crops’ phonological developments and yield, it improves climate quality by forming stable bicarbonates in soil through reaction with atmospheric carbon IV oxide (CO2), and transporting it to the ocean for permanent storage. According to previous research, the incorporation of basalt rock dust at the rate of 1, 4, 5, 25, and 50t/ha was reported to increase the supply of key minerals in the soil, improve soil pH, and reduce the availability of trace metals in the soil compared to the control. The yield of crops such as maize, sugarcane, rice, rape, bananas, and lupin was significantly improved as a result of the incorporation of basalt rock dust into the soil. Through the addition of basalt rock dust to soil, a 0.3t CO2 t-1 maximum atmospheric carbon capture potential was achieved. The use of basalt rock dust in agriculture is economical and climate friendly. This paper reviewed the potential of basalt rock dust as an alternative for addressing food security challenges, improving agricultural soil mineralization, and global climate.
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