Soil Remineralization in Agroecological Systems: A Critical Review

James Jerden, Thomas Vanacore, Joanna Campe

Soil degradation threatens global food security, human nutrition, biodiversity, water resources, and climate stability by depleting soil organic matter, exhausting nutrient reserves, and disrupting carbon and nitrogen cycles. Conventional input‑intensive agriculture has delivered yield gains but has also contributed to widespread micronutrient deficiencies, nutrient loading of waterways, soil erosion, and greater vulnerability to climate extremes. Soil remineralization, using finely ground, often locally sourced silicate and related rock powders co‑applied with organic and biological amendments, offers a nature‑based strategy to rebuild soil health and resilience while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. Historical and contemporary evidence indicate that soil remineralization can enhance crop yields, nutrient uptake, soil structure, and carbon storage, especially on highly weathered or degraded soils. However, the use of inappropriate rock types, excessive application rates, and narrow carbon‑offset framings poses agroecological risks.
Here we review soil remineralization in agroecological systems by integrating biogeochemical theory, a historical survey, and a new synthesis of 191 experimental and field observations. The major contributions of our review are:
1) Of the 191 tests reviewed, 87% show yield or biomass increases and 89% show enhanced plant nutrient uptake. These results suggest that, when appropriately implemented, soil remineralization can serve as an effective agroecological strategy to address food security, nutrient deficiencies, and environmental impacts.
2) Outcomes depend critically on a dynamic biogeochemical/agronomic system in which mineralogy, biology, grain size controlled weathering kinetics, rhizosphere processes, and nutrient toxicity thresholds jointly govern benefits and risks over decadal timescales.
3) Experimental and field evidence show that the co-application of rock dusts with organic inputs, biochar, and microbial inoculants ("biomineral" amendments) consistently outperforms rock dust alone for yield, root growth, soil properties, and carbon sequestration.
4) Soil remineralization’s greatest potential lies in enhancing a multifunctional suite of ecosystem services, including nutrient cycling, water regulation, biodiversity support, and lasting carbon storage.