Location: Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory
Title: Area IV Farm Research: Carbon FarmingAuthor
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Submitted to: Popular Publication
Publication Type: Popular Publication Publication Acceptance Date: 7/7/2023 Publication Date: 7/7/2023 Citation: Liebig, M.A. 2023. Area IV Farm Research: Carbon Farming. Popular Publication. 1. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Carbon farming refers to an approach to farming that increases the rate of carbon dioxide uptake from the atmosphere by storing it in plants and soil. Doing so is considered a win-win for agriculture and society: a ‘win’ for farmers since they are increasing their soil organic matter and overall productivity, and a ‘win’ for the climate since it reduces carbon dioxide in the air. Most cropland soils in the northern Plains have the capacity to store additional carbon, as conventional farming practices have contributed to more carbon losses than carbon gains. Reversing this trend is possible with improved management, including practices that reduce soil disturbance, maintain soil cover, increase the duration of photosynthesis throughout the year, and add carbon-rich amendments to the soil. While these practices can increase soil carbon, it is less clear whether these practices have a meaningful benefit to climate change mitigation efforts. Research at the USDA-ARS Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory has found annually cropped, no-tillage cropping systems to increase soil carbon but are a net source of greenhouse gases. This article is the second installment to the Morton County Soil Conservation District Newsletter reviewing research at the Area IV SCD Cooperative Research Farm. |
