Study Reveals Nature-Based Techniques to Enhance Tree Growth and Carbon Capture
A groundbreaking study at Glandwr Forest near Llandovery identifies two nature-based methods to accelerate tree growth and carbon absorption. This research, conducted by Imperial College London and The Carbon Community, emphasizes innovative practices that could significantly aid climate goals by enhancing woodland carbon sequestration.
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The Glandwr Forest Carbon Study, led by Imperial College London and The Carbon Community, presents two interventions—enhanced rock weathering and microbial enrichment—to improve young tree establishment and carbon capture. Crushed basalt application can increase above-ground carbon storage by up to 27% in native woodlands after four years, while microbial enrichment boosts biomass by 13% in treated areas.
Spanning 11.5 hectares, the study involved 72 plots and over 200 volunteers monitoring 6,400 trees. If these techniques are adopted widely, they could eliminate an additional 45,000 to 106,000 tonnes of CO2 in the first four years. The findings are crucial for informing woodland creation projects to meet the UK’s target of increasing woodland cover from 13% to 16% by 2040.
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