Researchers discover new carbon storage method in soils
Scientists have identified a novel mechanism in soil microbes that enhances long-term carbon sequestration. This breakthrough could help mitigate climate change by locking away more atmospheric CO2. The findings were detailed in a study published on October 1, 2025.
A team of researchers from the University of California, Davis, announced a significant advancement in understanding how soil microorganisms can stabilize carbon for centuries. The study, published in the journal Nature on October 1, 2025, reveals that certain bacteria produce enzymes that bind carbon compounds to mineral particles, preventing their release back into the atmosphere.
The research began in 2020, with field experiments conducted across diverse ecosystems in California and the Midwest United States. Over five years, the scientists analyzed soil samples from 50 sites, measuring carbon retention rates under varying conditions. They found that in microbe-rich soils, carbon sequestration efficiency increased by up to 40% compared to untreated areas. 'This process could revolutionize agricultural practices for climate mitigation,' said lead researcher Dr. Elena Ramirez, a soil microbiologist at UC Davis. 'By fostering these bacteria, farmers might turn their fields into natural carbon sinks.'
Key to the discovery was the identification of a specific enzyme, dubbed 'CarbLock-1,' which facilitates the binding. The enzyme was isolated from anaerobic bacteria thriving in wetland soils. Laboratory tests confirmed that soils amended with CarbLock-1 retained 25% more carbon after simulated 100-year weathering cycles. The study involved collaboration with the USDA and international partners from the UK and Australia, pooling data from over 1,000 soil cores.
While the findings offer promising implications for global carbon budgets—potentially offsetting 5-10% of agricultural emissions—the researchers caution that scaling this method requires further trials. Environmental factors like pH and temperature could influence efficacy. No major contradictions were noted in the source, which emphasizes the need for policy support to integrate this into farming incentives.
This development aligns with ongoing efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, providing a biological tool alongside reforestation and renewable energy.