The Soil Carbon Cycle: A Solution to Climate Change

This article explores the Soil Carbon Cycle. It breaks down its key components, from Photosynthesis to Carbon Stabilization, and its importance in greenhouse gas removals.

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Introduction: The Vital Role of the Soil Carbon Cycle in GHG Removals

Understanding the Soil Carbon Cycle is vital for agriculture’s fight against climate change, especially when it comes to the removal of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from the atmosphere.

Removals vs. Reductions: A Crucial Distinction

Within climate change mitigation, it’s important to distinguish between ‘removals’ and ‘reductions’ of GHGs.

Reductions lower GHG emissions via techniques like enhanced energy efficiency, renewable energy transition, and low-emission technologies adoption (among others). Conversely, removals capture and store atmospheric carbon dioxide and other GHGs through natural or engineered processes.

Removals, which address existing atmospheric carbon, are crucial for reversing past emissions and managing accumulated GHGs, offering a comprehensive solution to the climate crisis.

The Soil Carbon Cycle: A Deeper Look

An awareness of the soil carbon cycle’s components is required for both climate change mitigation and enabling sustainable agriculture. This cycle involves a series of natural processes that work in harmony to absorb, convert, and store carbon in the soil.

By delving into each of its key components, we can gain an understanding of its mechanisms.

Components of the Soil Carbon Cycle

• Photosynthesis Plants are the primary agents that absorb atmospheric CO₂ and convert it into organic compounds. This process is not just limited to the above-ground parts of plants but also has a significant impact on soil carbon levels.
• Root Exudation Plants transfer carbon to the soil by releasing a variety of organic compounds from their roots. This process is part of a larger system known as the Soil Food Web. Root exudation is crucial for soil health as it provides essential nutrients and helps in carbon sequestration.
• Decomposition Additionally, the Soil Food Web plays a vital role in breaking down organic matter. Microorganisms and other soil organisms decompose organic matter into simpler compounds, enriching the soil with carbon in the process.
• Soil Food Web The Soil Food Web is a complex network of organisms that contribute to the decomposition process. These organisms release vital nutrients and carbon into the soil, enhancing soil health and fertility. Understanding the importance of the Soil Food Web is essential for effective soil carbon management.
• Soil Respiration This process releases CO₂ from the soil primarily through microbial activity and root respiration. However, a conscious balance between carbon input and output ensures that the soil acts as a net carbon sink.
• Stabilization of Soil Carbon The final step in the soil carbon cycle involves transforming carbon compounds into stable forms that resist decomposition. This enables long-term carbon storage in the soil, a critical aspect of mitigating climate change.

Co-Benefits of the Soil Carbon Cycle

Beyond its role in carbon sequestration, the soil carbon cycle provides co-benefits like improved soil health, biodiversity, and water retention. These benefits are not just environmental but also offer massive economic advantages, as we move towards a regenerative and diverse future.

Agricarbon’s Expertise in Soil Carbon Measurement

At Agricarbon, we believe that ‘what gets measured, gets managed.’ Quantifying soil carbon stocks is our expertise, and we offer robust and accurate measurement tools that are essential for effective carbon removals.

Case Studies and Future Outlook

We have conducted comprehensive soil carbon sampling and analysis for all types of projects, enabling us to implement strategies that target enhanced soil health and increased carbon sequestration. Our work with Diageo, as part of our Spirit of Progress initiative, and also First Milk, showcases real-world applications of these strategies.

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Read More from Agricarbon:

• From Groundswell to Global: The Rising Importance of Soil Carbon
• Knepp: £100,000 funding awarded to measure carbon storage through rewilding and nature recovery projects
• The Benefits of Soil Carbon Sequestration
• What is the Best Way to Measure Soil Carbon Stocks? 
• Statistical Significance and Minimum Detectable Difference for Soil Carbon Monitoring

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