Optimising mill mud and ash applications for soil improvement and carbon sequestration

Restricting future warming to 1.5-2.0ËšC requires a major reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions and a significant increase in carbon sequestration (IPCC, 2018). A viable methodology for sequestering carbon as soil organic matter has not yet been developed despite widespread support and investment from industry and government. This PhD will investigate the use of mill by-products to sequester carbon as well as the impact of these ameliorants on soil health. Mill ash and mud have high potential to sequester carbon through enhanced weathering better than basalt, due to their liming effects. These products are known to be beneficial for crop growth however, little is known about their effects on soil including their liming and carbon sequestration abilities. This project seeks to quantify those benefits.