Fatima Haque

Role: Conference Bursary Recipient

Department: School of Engineering

College: College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Conference Attended: The International Commission of Agricultural Engineering (CIGR, Commission Internationale du Genie Rural)

Location: Quebec City, Quebec (Attending Virtually)

Value: $250

Research Presentation:

Effect of Wollastonite Amended Soil on Crop Yield and Carbon Sequestration in Soil: A Micro pilot Study

My current research aims to enable negative carbon emissions in the agricultural sector, through the mitigation of greenhouse gases and sequestration of carbon, with innovative engineered fertilizers that can be deployed at a large scale. The engineered fertilizers we have developed provide the same fertility value as traditional fertilizers, but more efficiently, and with the added benefits of soil carbon sequestration.

Objectives for Attending: 

Firstly, I would like to disseminate my research findings and move a step ahead to establish myself as an expert in my field. The study proves that wollastonite mineral can be used as a carbon-sequestering soil amendment, evidenced by the accumulation of inorganic carbon in amended soils. This work paves the path for farmers to become interested in adopting the use of wollastonite for carbon sequestration. My aim is to share the novelty of my work and educate the audience comprising of agronomists, scientists and engineers about the new methodology to improve soil health, crop yield while mitigating climate change. At CIGR 2021, I aim to learn from other researchers working on agriculture crops and climate change and gain knowledge to improve my ongoing research.

Secondly, CIGR 2021 is a chance to network and/or establish collaboration with other leaders in my field and interact with them to discuss the challenges and successes of soil sequestration as a negative emission technology. I am especially looking forward to networking with the keynote speaker, Suzanne Allaire, owner of GECA Environment, and an expert in the field of biochar application in agriculture. She has collaborated with a wide range of industries, private companies, government agencies and research institutions to reduce the impact of humans on the environment by protecting soil and improving carbon balances. My aim is to highlight the importance of inorganic carbon sequestration in soil as important as organic carbon sequestration. I would like to discuss with her the opportunities to collaborate with other government associations or industries that would be interested in working on soil carbon sequestration for a sustainable food supply.