To Reverse a Troubling Trend, Farmers Are Adding Rocks to Their Fields

Photo caption: Studies show that volcanic rock dust can raise the pH of overworked soils, improving productivity. Photo courtesy of UNDO. Article by Ann Leslie Davis. Modern Farmer – September 25, 2023.

Across the country, farmers are taking a chance on a new method: adding crushed volcanic rock to fields to improve soil health (and sequester carbon in the process).

Chris Rauch was strolling past booths at the annual ag show in Spokane last summer when he spotted a large jar full of basalt powder. A nearby sign urged him to spread it on his croplands to help improve soil pH. Rauch looked at the gray dust and shook his head. “That’s crazy,” he thought. […]

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