Some species of fig trees are attracting worldwide attention after the recent discovery of their ability to transform atmospheric carbon dioxide in a durable mineral form, which could have relevant implications in the fight against global warmingAn international group of researchers has shown that certain varieties of these trees in Kenya not only store carbon organically, but also fix it as calcium carbonate, remaining on the ground for long periods.
This phenomenon was presented during the Goldschmidt Lecture, a leading meeting of European geochemistry. Through a study carried out in the Samburu CountyIn northeastern Kenya, the team focused on three different types of fig trees. The results show that, in addition to the classic process of photosynthesis, these trees activate a oxalate-carbonate pathway which generates small mineral crystals in its structure.
The carbon sequestration process in fig trees
When Fig trees absorb COâ‚‚, part of that gas is used to produce calcium oxalate, a common compound in various plants. When leaves, roots and branches die or decompose, specialized microorganisms transform said oxalate into calcium carbonate, which is integrated both in the surrounding soil as well as the wood of the tree itselfThis inorganic form of carbon is much more persistent than organic matter, as it can remain stable for centuries.
Scientists observed that as it is generated calcium carbonate, the soil becomes progressively more alkaline. Furthermore, using advanced imaging techniques, they found that these minerals can be found both on the surface of the trunk and deep within the woody structure. This finding suggests that the combined action of the fig tree and the fungi or bacteria that accompany it facilitates carbon retention at different levels.
Agricultural, environmental and new research potential
The introduction of fig trees with the ability to fix carbon in projects of agroforestry could contribute significantly to climate mitigation strategies, according to experts. This advance is especially relevant in tropical regions where the goal is to make fruit production compatible and environmental conservation.
Much of the previous research on the mineral carbon storage They had focused on non-fruit trees such as Iroko, known for accumulating large amounts of calcium carbonate in the soil during its lifetime. However, the new work confirms that Many more tree species could have this potential, opening the door to the careful selection of the most suitable varieties based on the climate and agricultural use.
Researchers are evaluating what the larger-scale impact of this mechanism, taking into account factors such as the need for water, performance y the environmental benefits. In addition, the use of cutting-edge scientific equipment has made it possible to precisely locate mineral deposition zones and microorganisms involved in the process of transformation within the tree and the soil.
New opportunities for the fight against COâ‚‚
The oxalate-carbonate pathway In fig trees, this represents an innovative option for increasing the carbon sequestration capacity of agricultural and forest ecosystems, contributing to long-term climate regulation. Planting species with this type of dual performance—nutritional and environmental— could become a useful tool to face the challenge of the global emissions.
This discovery reinforces the interest in continuing research in the field of plant biogeochemistry, with an eye on both the reforestation as in the development of systems sustainable agriculture that maximize carbon sequestration, improve soils, and provide food resources to rural communities.
The development of new methods for identifying and enhancing trees with the ability to mineralize carbon suggests that, in the future, the role of fig trees and related species could be much more important in global climate balance than previously thought. Research continues to analyze how to optimize these processes and their integration into agricultural and environmental settings.
