Unlocking The Full Potential Of Volcanic Rocks For Increased Agricultural Yields and Improved Soil Health
We use a scalable, science-backed approach to optimize enhanced rock weathering technology to speed up remineralization and permanent atmospheric carbon sequestration while making it easy and economical for farmers and landowners to adopt.
Through our specific material selection criteria, we ensure only the highest-quality basalt raw material is crushed and milled to specific granulations that provide optimal macro and micronutrients over an extended benefit period while naturally, permanently sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Proven Benefits From Research On Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) of Basalt In Conventional and Organic Agriculture, Grasslands, Orchards And Forests.
Scientifically proven benefits of ERW of basalt include restored soil fertility, improved soil physical structure, better microbial activity, and increased crop yield. Scientists have conducted trials of applications of fine grain basalt like the raw materials in TephraMax® on grains, leafy vegetables, fruits, tubers, and forage crops that consistently show increases in yield and improved crop quality, improved nutrient absorption, and increased resilience and disease resistance in conventional and organic agricultural systems. Increases in crop yield in tropical or highly depleted soils are even larger (50-100%).
Nutrient Availability and Plant Growth
The impact of volcanic material on nutrient availability and plant growth is well documented, with numerous studies examining the release of essential macro and micronutrients and the subsequent effects on plant uptake. Research consistently demonstrates that basaltic rock fragments, the primary component in TephraMax®, enhance nutrient availability, promote balanced nutrient uptake, and stimulate robust plant growth. Research shows that with practical implementation, a premium volcanic soil amendment can be beneficial for soil nutrient management, reducing the need for traditional fertilizers and lime, and significantly improving overall crop performance.
Soil Structure and Water Dynamics
Extensive research indicates that volcanic material enhances soil structure and improves water infiltration, retention, and drainage. These insights are pivotal for addressing soil erosion, improving the effectiveness of irrigation, and advocating for sustainable water management practices in agriculture.
Microbial Activity and Soil Health
Studies consistently show that volcanic materials encourage microbial growth, increase microbial variety, and support the creation of a thriving soil ecosystem. These studies emphasize the advantages of utilizing TephraMax®’s volcanic material foundation to enhance the cycling of nutrients, the breakdown of organic matter, the prevention of diseases, and the general fertility of the soil.
Environmental Impacts and Carbon Sequestration
The advantages of basaltic volcanic material have been the subject of comprehensive research into its capacity for carbon capture. The volcanic material within TephraMax® has a demonstrated ability to bolster carbon retention in soils, foster soil carbon sequestration, curtail nutrient runoff, and consequently diminish the environmental impact of agricultural practices.
*Field experiments and crop-focused investigations have been instrumental in evaluating the real-world usefulness of enhanced weathering of volcanic material like basalt in agricultural contexts. Crop-centered research studies affirm the effectiveness of processed volcanic basalt and offer valuable insights for farmers seeking to enhance their agricultural production. Published, peer-reviewed, research at major agricultural universities (including US land-grant institutions) and research centers consistently shows extremely favorable results.
Tephracor is actively engaged with large-scale and plot-scale trials on grain and vegetable crops in the Pacific Northwest and Upper Midwest of the United States, on nut tree groves in Oregon and California, on grains and grasslands at land grant universities in the Southeast United States, and on a research farm in Ghana.