Carbon sequestration enhancement in lawns using grass selection and soil amendments
This research evaluates carbon capture in lawns by studying St. Augustinegrass cultivars and soil amendments like rock dust and zeolites. It aims to identify effective combinations to enhance carbon sequestration, providing potential for new lawn management products.
Overview
This research project explores the potential for enhancing carbon sequestration in lawns by selecting specific grass cultivars and applying soil amendments. By evaluating four St. Augustinegrass varieties—Provista, Raleigh, Floratam, and Palmetto—alongside carbon capture-enhancing materials such as rock dust and zeolites, the study aims to identify optimal combinations that can significantly increase carbon pools. These findings could lead to innovative products and practices for lawn management, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Technical specifications
The study is structured in a randomized complete block design with established turfgrass plots that are divided into subplots for amendment treatments. The research includes comprehensive measurements of carbon capture through both above and below-ground biomass, soil respiration, and various soil carbon tests. Soil amendments are applied at a rate of 50 lb/1000 sq ft, and their impact on soil and plant carbon content is evaluated over time using advanced techniques like gas chromatography for greenhouse gas analysis.
Technology readiness level
This project is at Technology Readiness Level 6, indicating a system or subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment. The research is ongoing with a well-established trial and detailed plans for future validation, including repeated soil and plant sampling to assess long-term effects.
About Texas A&M University, College Station
Texas A&M University in College Station is a comprehensive public research university and the flagship of The Texas A&M University System, combining broad academic strengths with a strong applied‑research culture. Industry collaborates on the Texas A&M‑RELLIS campus—an integrated education, research and testing environment that supports large‑scale experimentation and proving grounds—and through the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s facilities in Bryan‑College Station. A statewide extension network connects university expertise to companies and communities across all Texas counties, enabling rapid piloting and deployment. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE, USDA and DoD, alongside state and industry sponsorship. Texas A&M Innovation provides IP management, licensing and commercialization pathways across the system.
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