As human beings are forced to grow food in more marginal soils due to climate change, in vertical farming due to lack of space or stable climate, we will need to have simple, low-cost, sustainable methods that improve crop output and create circular systems that reduce waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and eliminate chemical pesticides and conventional fertilizers. In addition, the agricultural sector is responsible for at least 75% of the total US nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and 10% of total GHG emissions. There is a push to identify sustainable management practices that can reduce emissions without compromising crop yields.
The MISA Lab investigates microbial-mineral interactions in the application of sustainable biofertilizers to Andisols (basalt rich soils), basalt rock powder, and in hydroponics to address the above issues. Such traditional practices have been used for thousands of years, and may improve soil health, plant growth, and greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers use these methods to reduce or eliminate the need for costly conventional fertilizers and pesticides, both of which decrease soil productivity over time and cause increases in soil greenhouse gasses (GHG) emissions. This research also helps us understand ways to build sustainable agriculture systems on the Moon and Mars, planetary bodies that are rich in basalts.
