What is soil carbon farming?

Soil carbon farming focuses on the carbon-storing capacity of soils and vegetation, with farmers using regenerative agriculture and holistic management practices to increase the carbon in the soil. It creates several long-term benefits for the ecosystem and can increase farm profitability.

The Soil Carbon Farming Cycle

The Soil Carbon Farming Cycle

The sequestration of soil carbon is a complex process involving hundreds of steps and reactions.

The soil carbon farming cycle begins with plants absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. This process not only removes CO2 but also produces oxygen, enriching the air we breathe. Livestock play a crucial role by increasing the availability of major nutrients in the soil, which, in turn, boosts plant growth and further carbon absorption. As plants decompose or are consumed by animals, carbon enters the soil, enriching it.

This carbon-rich soil has an enhanced capacity to retain water, creating a more robust and drought-resistant agricultural environment. Finally, this process leads to the long-term storage of carbon in the soil, sequestering it from the atmosphere and mitigating the impact of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas levels.

What role can humans play?

  • You can make a difference on your farm and reap the rewards. A soil carbon farming project is the place to start. Read more about other successful Australian soil carbon farming projects.

  • Regenerative cropping (or regenerative agriculture) forms part of a soil carbon farming project. The principles of regenerative cropping are keeping soil covered, establishing living roots, integrating animals where possible, minimising soil disturbance, encouraging vegetative diversity and keeping every farm’s context in mind.

  • Holistic Management was founded by Allan Savory. It is one of the tools we help you deploy to get the best results from your soil carbon farming project. We provide you with the technical know-how with in-person training sessions and Holistic Management training materials to work through in your unique context.