How is Soil Related to Global Warming
Over the past 150 years, atmospheric CO₂ has increased by 40% due to the burning of fossil fuels, agriculture, and deforestation. We’re fortunate that a significant portion of these CO₂ emissions is sequestered by the oceans and soils. While excessive carbon dioxide in the atmosphere contributes to global warming, its presence in soil can enhance soil health by increasing carbon content.
Soil with a high carbon content is healthy, fertile, and soft, making it suitable for the growth of bacteria, plants, and fibers, which are essential for living organisms. Additionally, soil can store carbon for thousands of years, aiding in climate regulation. The good news is that soils store a substantial amount of carbon,approximately 1,500 gigatons (1,500 billion metric tons) in the top meter of soil, which is about three times the amount of carbon in the atmosphere.
However, the bad news is that the soil's ability to absorb carbon dioxide has diminished. Human activities, such as intensive agriculture, animal husbandry, and deforestation, have led to soil degradation, resulting in the loss of significant soil organic carbon. This degradation not only affects the climate but also impacts food security and biodiversity.
The solution lies in climate-smart land management practices that enhance soil carbon storage. Implementing deep-rooted perennials, restoring forests, minimizing tillage in agriculture, and adding organic matter to the soil through compost or other means can significantly improve carbon sequestration.
The "4 per 1000" initiative is a global effort aiming to increase soil carbon stocks by 0.4% per year through such practices. If fully successful, this approach could offset a substantial portion of annual global human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.
What Are Some Ways We Can Store and Keep Carbon in the Soil for Longer?
Carbon enriches the soil, creating a hospitable environment for microorganisms and other soil-dwelling organisms. It enhances plant growth and boosts food production. Instead of carbon dioxide being a villain in the atmosphere, it can be a hero in the soil. The question is, how can we achieve this?
Here are some methods to sequester carbon back into the soil:
No-Till Farming: Tilling disrupts soil structure and harms microorganisms essential for soil health. Over time, tillage can deplete soil carbon and increase atmospheric CO₂ levels. No-till farming helps maintain soil integrity and promotes carbon retention.
Avoid Leaving Soil Bare: Exposed soil is prone to erosion by wind and water. Covering soil with plants or organic materials like straw reduces erosion and slows carbon loss to the atmosphere.
Plant Deep-Rooted Perennials: Perennials, which live for multiple years, have deep roots that extend the rhizosphere (the zone where roots, soil, and microbes interact) thereby enhancing carbon storage.
Enhance Photosynthesis: Plants absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, storing carbon in their biomass and the soil. Maintaining plant cover, whether in small grassy areas or large forests, facilitates this natural carbon sequestration process.
Add Soil Organic Matter (SOM): Incorporating compost, animal manure, leaves, or other organic materials into the soil increases its carbon content and fertility.
Implementing these methods offers tangible solutions to climate change and can lead to significant global benefits. Exploring the world of soil and carbon sequestration reveals a realm of hope and action. As Greta Thunberg, a young environmentalist, has said: "Instead of looking for hope, look for action. Then, and only then, hope will come."
Let’s reconnect with nature and learn more about these impactful practices!
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