Before starting a carbon farming project, farmers and advisors must be able to identify the key practices that can deliver sufficient mitigation potential in their region and specific land-use systems, while also considering environmental co-benefits. Similarly, it is crucial for policymakers to have accurate information on the realistic mitigation potential of specific carbon farming practices, enabling them to develop appropriate policy instruments that incentivise farmers to adopt these practices.
Consequently, it is essential to begin any efforts in the field by gaining a comprehensive and detailed understanding of these systems' capacities for carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction, and broader environmental benefits. In this context, MARVIC experts have conducted an in-depth review of the state-of-the-art literature of carbon farming practices for arable lands, grasslands, woody crops, agroforestry systems, and peatlands, identifying and evaluating the mitigation potential and uncertainties of these practices.
The study –carried out by MARVIC partners from the Spanish CSIC, the Czech University of Life Sciences, ILVO, Wageningen University & Research, Agroscope, and the University of Freiburg– is intended for policymakers, researchers, and agricultural stakeholders involved in carbon farming and land-use planning at regional, national, and European levels. Overall, its relevance extends to environmental agencies, agricultural cooperatives, and research institutions focusing on climate change mitigation and sustainable agriculture.
Regarding the five land-use systems assessed, a detailed description of the methodology for information search as well as the management and variables considered was provided. An analysis in terms of carbon sequestration potential and GHG emissions was conducted, while also accounting for environmental co-benefits such as soil erosion reduction, biodiversity enhancement, and water retention, among others. The mitigation potential of various practices was compared, including cover crops, no-tillage, and organic amendments for arable lands and woody crops; alley cropping for agroforestry; optimisation of grazing intensity and manure application in grasslands; and peatland rewetting.
The selected methodology included a thorough literature review and meta-analysis, focusing on the diversity of soil types, climatic zones, and land-use practices mainly in the EU but also extended at a global level, while capitalising on available data and results from ongoing projects and national and international networks. Additionally, a series of knowledge gaps and research limits were identified, and potential strategies to address these shortcomings were proposed.
The main results of this study were also presented during the second edition of the MARVIC webinar series, which was held on March 20th and gathered more than 50 attendees. The webinar, organised by Jan Peter Lesschen (Wageningen University & Research), showcased the insights gathered by MARVIC partners on the mitigation potential, the uncertainties, and co-benefits of the selected practices. Each system was presented by one of MARVIC experts: Adam Svoboda (CZU) discussed arable lands and grasslands, Elena Larysch (University of Freiburg) explored agroforestry, Milagros Torrús (CSIC) analysed woody crops, and Jens Leifeld (Agroscope) introduced peatlands. Follow this link to access the recording and slides.
