Mineral mining: Going deep underground to protect what's above
Jan 13, 2024
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Delving into one of Britain's deepest mines, the podcast explores the extraction of polyhalite, a low-carbon fertilizer that can help fight climate change. It discusses the benefits of polyhalite, such as reduced emissions and slow-release nutrients, and debates the best approach to maximize fertility. The podcast also emphasizes the importance of soil health and conservation for agriculture, water storage, and flood prevention.
Polyhalite mining in North Yorkshire produces a multi-nutrient fertilizer that has a lower carbon footprint and is more energy-efficient compared to other fertilizers.
Balancing the use of fertilizers with sustainable soil management is crucial to address food security concerns and reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.
Deep dives
Importance of Healthy Soils and Appropriate Fertilizer Application
Healthy soils with appropriate nutrient levels and avoiding over-application of fertilizers are crucial for preventing local pollution and reducing climate change impacts. The loss of nitrogen and phosphate into water courses can lead to algal blooms and ecological damage. For instance, severe algal blooms in Northern Ireland's Lochne highlighted the negative consequences. These blooms decrease oxygen levels and harm water quality, requiring costly treatment by water companies.
Exploring Polyhalite Mining and its Environmental Benefits
Polyhalite mining, specifically in the Bulby Mine in North Yorkshire, produces a multi-nutrient fertilizer. This British product contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, essential for crop growth. Compared to other fertilizers, polyhalite has a lower carbon footprint and is more energy-efficient in terms of production and use. Its slow-release nature allows for better nutrient uptake by plants and reduces the environmental impacts of nutrient loss.
The Role of Fertilizers in Agriculture and Food Security
Fertilizers play a vital role in increasing crop yields and ensuring food security, especially as global food demand rises with a finite land resource. However, the intensive use of soils for crop production and unsustainable practices have led to soil degradation, erosion, and compaction. Balancing the use of fertilizers with sustainable soil management, such as crop rotations, is crucial to address food security concerns and reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.
More than 1,000m underground is one of Britain's deepest mines. But it's not coal they're mining in North Yorkshire. It's a mineral that could help fight climate change.
On this week's ClimateCast, Tom Heap explores the tunnels way beneath the North Sea bed to find out if what lies under the ground can help protect the atmosphere above.
He discovers how miners are extracting polyhalite, a fertiliser that emits 85% less emissions than its counterparts, and learns why a multi-billion pound project is under way to extract more.
Above ground, he's joined by professor of soil erosion and conservation, Jane Rickson from Cranfield University, to discuss the state and significance of the ground beneath our feet.
Producers: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Philly Beaumont
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