Genetically Modified Crops to Store Carbon?

The Washington Post reports today about a researcher working to genetically modify crops so that roots store more organic carbon in order to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). The researcher hopes that by 2035, crops with the genetic modifications will be sequestering 4 to 8 gigatons of CO2 per year, about 10 to 20% of current manmade emissions of CO2.

Pot sensors are used with corn to monitor the growth of the root system.

But 2035 is a long away off — especially when Necternal’s technology increases the organic carbon content of soil now. And does it better.

Necternal’s USDA-rated bio-based technology grows bigger roots and promotes soil microbiology, both of which significantly increase organic soil carbon content. Additionally, Necternal’s technology reduces tilling requirements so more of the sequestered CO2 stays in the soil.

In contrast, even if it is possible to genetically modify crops so roots store significantly more CO2, the yield/productivity of such crops is a big unknown. Because genetic modification is involved, the technology will require significant regulatory scrutiny. Finally, as the genetically modified crops will not reduce tilling needs, much of the stored CO2 would be lost when tilled.

Growers don’t need to hope for what might happen by 2035. Necternal works today.