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An assessment of the agronomic benefits of silicate rock powders in Brazil in the context of a novel classification

An assessment of the agronomic benefits of silicate rock powders in Brazil in the context of a novel classification

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Authors

Philipp Swoboda, Eder de Souza Martins, Gisele Freitas Vilela, Luis Ferreira, Carlos Augusto Posser Silveira, Giuliano Marchi, Mariane Chiapini, Marcella Daubermann, Mayra Maniero Rodrigues, Matthew Oliver Clarkson, Junyao Kang, Veronica Furey, David Manning, Christina Larkin

Abstract

The sustainable intensification of tropical agriculture requires innovative approaches to restore soil health, reduce dependency on imported fertilizers, and increase crop productivity. Brazil has emerged as a global leader in the use of silicate agrominerals (ASi), silicate rich rock powders that supply plant nutrients and improve soil properties. These materials could advance low-cost soil sustaining crop production, particularly in the deeply weathered and nutrient-depleted soils of the tropics. This article synthesizes 56 Brazilian crop trials using a novel classification system for ASi based on lithochemistry and practical agricultural considerations. It evaluates the effects of ASi on soil health parameters, plant growth, and nutrient uptake across a range of crops and tropical soil types. The results demonstrate that ASi can significantly improve soil pH, cation exchange capacity, and base saturation, while enhancing yield and nutrient availability. Furthermore, evidence is emerging for ASi to indirectly increase soil phosphorus availability. We recommend minimum requirements for standardized methodologies and suggest real-world research designs to support broader ASi adoption. Brazil's pioneering role offers valuable insights for scaling the usage of silicate agrominerals across tropical agricultural systems worldwide, contributing to sustainable food production and climate resilience.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31223/X5JJ18

Subjects

Agriculture, Food Science, Plant Sciences

Keywords

agrominerals, soil remineralizers, enhanced rock weathering, rock powder, soil health, Agriculture, fertilizer

Dates

Published: 2025-09-02 19:53

Last Updated: 2025-09-03 14:30

License

No Creative Commons license

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Conflict of interest statement:
Philipp Swoboda, Mariane Chiapini, Marcella Daubermann, Mayra Maniero Rodrigues, Matthew Clarkson, Junyao Kang, Veronica Furey, and Christina Larkin declare that they work for a for-profit company (InPlanet GmbH) deploying enhanced weathering for carbon dioxide removal.