How does organic matter combat climate change?

Soil organic matter acts as the planet's largest carbon sink; thereby inherently combating climate change by removing carbon from the atmosphere through the activities of living plants and photosynthesis, and then storing that carbon in the soil. If soils are well-managed, they are capable of sequestering significant quantities of carbon for decades and even centuries. These very processes efficiently neutralize the greenhouse gases produced by man.

Mineral-associated carbon forms the most durable means of long-term storage. Organic materials bond strongly to clay minerals via chemical bonds known as ligand exchange, which protects these materials from microbial degradation for decades. Clay-rich soils exhibit 70% better carbon retention than sandy soils under equivalent management practices.

A 1% increase in soil organic matter sequesters roughly 8-10 tons of carbon/acre. This is equivalent to offsetting the emissions from driving 5,000 miles in an average car year. This increase can be observed in regenerative agriculture practices within 5-10 years, resulting in a significant climate impact.

Carbon will aggregate when active biological processes occur. Fungi produce glomalin, which binds aggregates of soil particles together, forming stable aggregates in the soil. The earthworm incorporates the residues deeply into the soil profile. The reduced tillage preserves them, and these structures, which hold carbon, can be maintained because they are so delicate.

Practical applications consist of specific management practices. Use 10 tons of compost per acre per year to enhance the binding of minerals. Use cover crops to develop a natural structure of aggregates. Limit tillage to no more than 6 inches to preserve the carbon already stored. These measures have measurable climate benefits and enhance farm productivity.

Read the full article: Soil Organic Matter: The Essential Guide