Secret Fig Trees That Turn Carbon Dioxide Into Stone Could Change Climate Science Forever
Previous research into the oxalate carbonate pathway has mostly been carried out in tropical habitats and focused on trees that do not produce food. The first such tree to be identified in this regard was the Iroko (Milicia excelsa), which can sequester one ton of calcium carbonate in the soil over its lifetime.
Fenrith/Wikimedia CommonsIroko trees growing in Uganda.
“It’s easier to identify calcium carbonate in drier environments,” Rowley explained. “However, even in wetter environments, the carbon can still be sequestered. So far, numerous species of tree have been identified which can form calcium carbonate. But we believe there are many more.”
Another consideration researchers identified are the trees’ water requirements and fruit yields, both of which could affect the their suitability for agroforestry. Scientists are also hoping to investigate how much carbon dioxide can be sequestered under different conditions.
After reading about the fig trees that can turn carbon dioxide into limestone, learn about the oldest tree in the world. Then, go inside the history of Christmas trees.
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