Researchers at Aberystwyth University have identified Miscanthus traits that could increase how much carbon the crop stores in soil, supporting efforts to slow climate change.
Miscanthus is a high-yielding perennial grass that regrows each year and can store significant amounts of carbon below ground. In new work published in Frontiers in Plant Science, scientists analysed the chemistry of leaves, roots, and underground stems across 11 Miscanthus varieties to pinpoint features linked to higher soil carbon storage.
The study found that rhizomes—the crop’s woody underground stems—can move carbon deeper into the soil, where it is more likely to remain stable over time. It also showed that varieties with roots containing lower levels of lignin tend to store more carbon nearer the soil surface. Overall, the results suggest that Miscanthus types with substantial underground growth and lower-lignin roots may be most effective for boosting soil carbon and helping mitigate climate change, according to a press release.
“This is an important breakthrough in our research — helping us understand which characteristics make Miscanthus most effective at storing carbon in the soil,” Dr. Paul Robson, from the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences at Aberystwyth University, who led the study, said. “Varieties store carbon differently, and understanding these relationships helps guide breeding strategies that deliver climate and agricultural benefits together.
“The UK needs to reduce CO2 emissions in order to mitigate climate change, and we also need to develop our economy to take advantage of green technologies as opposed to relying on fossil fuels. We hope that this research will give even greater impetus to that shift to a greener society.”
Miscanthus breeding is still in its formative years, and new findings from Aberystwyth University offer timely guidance. The research highlights plant traits associated with stronger soil carbon storage, helping breeders target varieties that combine productivity with climate performance. Importantly, the results suggest soil carbon gains can be achieved without yield penalties. For the seed sector, that’s a valuable dual win.
