KEY FINDINGS |
A WIN - WIN STRATEGY  Soil carbon sequestration is a win-win strategy. It mitigates climate change by offsetting anthropogenic emissions; improves the environment, especially the quality of natural waters; enhances soil quality; improves agronomic productivity; and advances food security. It is the low-hanging fruit and a bridge to the future, until carbon-neutral fuel sources and low-carbon economy take effect
|
|
Summary of Research Results
The following table gives a summary of the main research findings into carbon sequestration in bio-agricultural farming systems.
For more detailed results see the research results page.
Field trial |
Components |
CO2-e gain (+) or
loss (-) t/ha/yr |
DOK trial, CH,
1977-2005 3, 51, 53, 54
(Maeder et al., 2006)
(Fliessbach et al., 2007) |
Biodynamic, composted farmyard manure
Conventional stockless, mineral fertilizer only |
+1.81
+2.75
-0.76 |
Rodale FST, US,
1981-2005 10, 13, 33
(Plimentel, et al., 2006;
Hepperly, et al., 2006) |
Organic with compost, cover crop, rotation, no till
Organic with farmyard manure
Conventional with mineral fertilizer |
+11.01
+4.47
+0.80 |
Skilleby K trial, SE,
1991-2000 5, 6, 31
(Granstedt, et al., 2008) |
Biodynamic, composted farmyard manure
Organic with composted farmyard manure |
+1.82
+1.10 |
NEC. Järna trial, SE,
1958-1990 5, 6, 31
(Peterson et al., 1990) |
Biodynamic, ley, composted farm yard manure
Conventional, without ley and mineral fertiliser |
+2.00
0.01 |
Bavarian farm survey, DE, 55
(Kuestermann et al., 2008) |
18 Organic farms (average)
10 Conventional farms (average) |
+0.66
-0.44 |
9 farming system trials, US,
5y-27y 8, 9
(Marriott and Wander, 2006) |
Organic manure + legume. Soil carbon conc.
Organic legume-based. Soil carbon conc.
Conventional farms. Soil carbon base. |
+2.22 Av of 9)
0 |
SADP, USDA-ARS, US,
1994-2002 142
(Teasdale, et al., 2007) |
Organic farming with reduced tillage
Organic farming with ordinary tilling |
+6.38
+2.97 |
GRDC, DPI Vic, Au,
1998-2007 2
(Fisher, et al., 2008) |
14 irrigated farms, crop rotation, high organic matter input
14 conventional irrigated farms |
+3.96
0% |
In Sample Scenarios 3T Co2-e /Ha/Y
1 tonne of Carbon = 3.67 tonnes CO2-e |
Carbon Sequestration Gain (T/Ha/Y) AVERAGE:
Expressed In Soil Carbon Measurement (T/Ha/Y) |
+3.62 t CO2-e/ha/y
+1.15 t Carbon/ha/y |
|
|
