Nature's ally in capturing carbon
This UT FieldLab experiment falls under the theme Water cycle and climate. View all experiments related to this theme.
Introduction
Elephant grass, also known as miscanthus, is a fast-growing perennial crop with enormous climate potential. It can capture significant amounts of CO₂ during its growth and provides a sustainable source of biomass. At a time when we urgently need solutions to tackle climate change, miscanthus can play a key role in both carbon removal and circular innovations.
What are we researching?
On our 0.25-hectare plot, we have created a living lab. Here, we test different harvesting and processing methods to discover how miscanthus can most effectively contribute to a sustainable future. Our research goes beyond the technical aspects: we also explore the social dimension—how communities experience and adopt these solutions.
How does it work?
Miscanthus grows rapidly, requires minimal maintenance, and stores large amounts of carbon in the soil during its growth. The harvested biomass can be used in several ways:
- Energy production: as biofuel or in bioenergy plants.
- Construction and insulation: as a raw material for insulation products or biocomposites.
- Biopolymers: for sustainable plastics.
We also investigate how carbon can be stored in the soil for the long term, preventing CO₂ from returning to the atmosphere.
Why does this matter?
Carbon removal is essential to achieving climate targets, especially in sectors where emissions are hard to avoid. By combining natural solutions like miscanthus with technological innovations, we create a robust strategy against climate change. At the same time, we ensure these measures are inclusive and future-proof, so that everyone can benefit from a cleaner, more sustainable world.