NATO grass project cleans Ukraine war soil

Scientists at Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem (UJEP) in the Czech Republic, under a NATO-sponsored project, are studying whether giant miscanthus grass can remove pollutants like oil products, explosives, and trace elements from Ukraine's war-damaged soil. The project, part of NATO's Science for Peace and Security programme, has been running since 2023 and involves partners from Canada, Croatia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and the United States. Field trials are underway in Vorzel near Bucha, a Kyiv suburb previously occupied by Russian troops. Early results show positive effects on soil biological parameters and carbon sequestration. The grass can accumulate metals in its roots while above-ground biomass remains clean and usable for energy. The project aims to revitalize contaminated areas for future farming.