About this Research Topic
Our current knowledge of enhanced rock weathering (ERW) is currently limited by the large uncertainties in laboratory experiments and modeling and a relative scarcity of field measurement data. In this Research Topic, we aim to constrain the weathering rate of rock powders spread on soils in the field by collecting research that focuses on field measurement data over local, regional, or global scales. In addition, secondary CO2 emissions from the ERW supply chain (e.g., mining, grinding, transport, spread) needs to be quantified in order to draw a holistic picture of net lifecycle CDR through ERW. Furthermore, the impact of ERW on the soil and food security needs to be further investigated. The application of rock powder to natural or managed soils and the release of mineral dissolution products will certainly impact the soil properties and primary production over time. In addition, the influence of ERW on soil organic carbon sequestration and soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is unclear. Field monitoring coupled with numerical models will be required to answer these questions. Lastly, the co-benefits and interactions of various land-based NETs need to be delineated and further explored.
We particularly welcome research covering, but not limited to, the following areas:
• New field measurement techniques and datasets to quantify the ERW in the real field;
• Life-cycle assessment on the CO2 emission through the entire ERW process;
• The impact of ERW on soil properties, food security, and soil GHG emissions across spatiotemporal scales;
• The interplay between ERW and other land-based NETs; and
• Development and application of data-driven models to constrain the potential of land-based NETs.
Keywords: climate change, carbon cycle, rock weathering, land-use change, water cycle, water-energy-food-nexus, data science, machine learning
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.