Celebrating 25 Years of Regional NRM
The 9th National Natural Resource Management Knowledge Conference, held September 8–12 in Cairns, marked a significant milestone, 25 years since Australia adopted the regional natural&...
After a year of collaboration, the team from James Cook University (JCU), UniSA, Carbonaught and Tropical North Queensland Drought Resilience Hub are proud to report excellent progress made with the Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) Project. They have successfully established four ERW trials, on avocados and bananas in Far North Queensland, on cotton in southeast Queensland and on rice in New South Wales.
To support broader adoption of ERW, they are aligning with industry sustainability frameworks through active engagement with the Climate Change Authority, feedstock suppliers, agricultural Research & Development (R&D) corporations, and international standard-setting and certifying agencies such as Cascade Climate and Isometric. We are also collaborating with related R&D efforts both in Australia and overseas.
Crushed basalt is applied as a fertiliser substitute and mechanism for permanent carbon dioxide removal. When it breaks down, the basalt neutralises soil acidity and provides plant nutrients and clay particles, laying the foundation for healthier, more fertile and climate resilient soils. By sampling pre and post application of basalt, we aim to quantify effects on productivity, profitability and carbon dioxide capture.
"During this first year, our focus had been on identifying suitable sites, sourcing local crushed basalt, and engaging innovative landholders and producers. We are working with stakeholders who are well-positioned within their industries, providing synergistic benefits that will support ERW adoption where it is effective." Prof Nelson.
"Outcomes from this ERW project will inform players throughout the market chains for premium low-emission products, including lending institutions and verification bodies. Significant productivity and crop nutritional benefits have already been measured and reported, this project extends the research by conducting trials in hitherto unexamined cropping systems and by measuring carbon cycling effects." Dr Sarkar.
As they enter the second year, they will expand trials to include grain cropping systems in Queensland and South Australia and irrigated dairying in Victoria. The results from these trials will help assess the viability of ERW as premium low-emission product and source of verified carbon credits.
For further information, contact Dr Binoy Sarkar (Adelaide) M:0433 801 054 or Prof Paul Nelson (Cairns) M: 0400 437 554
https://enhancedrockweathering.org.au/
November 2025